Some of Dunedin’s chip packets will be getting a second chance at life, with a new initiative turning them into survival blankets for rough sleepers.
Jessica Ladbrook is Dunedin’s volunteer coordinator for the Chip Packet Project NZ (CPPNZ). With origins in the British “Crisp Packet Project”, this worldwide movement turns empty foil packets - such as those used for chips and biscuits - into a variety of useful things. These things include pillows, sleeping rolls and survival blankets for rough sleepers.
The process is “pretty easy, which was why I was keen to do it”, said Jess: once you’ve chomped on your chips (or biscuits), clean out the pack and cut them open to flatten them out. When you’ve got five of the same size, line them up and fuse them together with an iron. These strips of 5 can then be fused together and fashioned into just about anything you need. For survival blankets, you need about 5 or 6 strips - that’s 30 chip packets - and a plastic layer for waterproofing, made from pallet cling wrap. For pillows, meanwhile, biscuit packets seem to work best.
This upcycling is hugely appealing, said Jess: “We’re taking rubbish that will take at least 80 years to decompose in landfill, and turning it into a valuable resource… for those whose housing is not up to standard.” The fact that she can do it from her flat is a bonus, too.
While turning chip packets into survival blankets can be hugely motivating, Jess was careful to emphasise that CPPNZ are not here to be heroes. “We don’t want to impose on the good work that’s already being done,” she said. Instead, they work closely with groups that are already involved with Dunedin’s rough sleeping community - including Night Shelter and Servants Health Centre - saying that they’re best able to target support.
The group started early this year, and Jess’s efforts to place collection boxes were affected by the Omicron outbreak. “It’s a really stressful time,” she said, and collecting chip packets was not high on the priority list for many. However, she’s been spreading the good word to flatmates and friends, and they’ve already got enough to make “a few blankets”. She’s hoping a collection box outside the Chaplaincy Office and in Mornington will boost things further.
“We’re here and we understand it’s stressful, but we’re super open to whatever level of involvement you want, whether it’s dropping off a chip packet, making a “strip of 5” or helping us make blankets,” she said. “Just collect as many as you can, I’ll fill up my room!” In solidarity with this cause, Critic will accept all donations of full chip packets for processing into empty packets.
Find out more here.