Name: Aliyah Ali

Class: 3I

Teacher: Miss Asha Bachan-Ragbir

Subject: Tech. Ed.

Problem statement:
Shopping at the grocery or general store produces a lot of plastic bags
which consumers take home. Disposal of these bags pose some
serious environmental problems with respect to garbage disposal and
the toxic nature of plastics. Simply reusing the bags is not sufficient to
address this problem. Making useful items from the bags is a more
innovative and sustainable way to deal with the problem. This is an
example of upcycling.
Challenge:
You are required to make an item that uses as many plastic bags as
you can. This item will be presented and marked in class at the dates
to be determined.

Due date: March 1st, 2022.

 Introduction: Challenge
The task at hand was to construct a reusable object out of used plastic bags;
the item to be created was entirely up to us, with the exception that we only
used plastic bags and no other material. Instead of buying products for around
the house or for other purposes, reusing old bags can be effective, as you can
manufacture it yourself to save money. This product is useful because it is safe,
inexpensive, and does not require a lot of time or effort.

Evidence of Research
For my investigation, I first looked up inventive things and techniques to create
them on Google. I then used Pinterest to get ideas for different approaches
before deciding on my two options.
Here are the websites I utilized to conduct my research:
1. items made from old plastic bags - Bing images
2. (41) Pinterest

Possible solutions
My two possible options were between a coaster and a handbag.
 Advantages of coaster:
❖ Prevents moisture from your cups from getting on your tabletops.
❖ Affordable and useful
❖ Allows you to be creative!
❖ Is aesthetically pleasing
Disadvantages:
❖ Small and could get lost easily.
❖ The bags could start to tear up after some time of usage, especially
when using hot mugs/cups.

Advantages of handbag:
❖ Useful for holding everyday items or market goods.
❖ Affordable and safe to use.
Disadvantages:
❖ May not be aesthetically pleasing.
❖ May deteriorate after some time of usage.

Chosen solution and rationale

After a few days of deliberation, I've decided on a solution. Finally, I
opted to reproduce solution 1, which was the coaster, as it was a
simpler option that would be more aesthetically beautiful and less
buggy. Because I didn't have enough material for the handbag, the
best alternative would have been to complete my first option, which I
did!
 Developmental work (procedure)
Tools and materials used: scissors, plastics bags, clothing iron and
parchment paper.

Steps taken:
To begin, I gathered my resources, which were few given the nature
of the assignment. I then proceeded to cut my plastic bags
horizontally which then connected like a long ribbon in the shape of a
"O." After that, I cut one side of the pieces, resulting in a long strip of
plastic that wasn't linked together. After that, I braided my parts
together and then joined them one by one. Finally, I formed a coaster
out of the long-braided piece and then ironed it to keep it in place.
 Testing
I put my product through its paces by placing a mug and a bowl on
top to ensure that the items were stable and did not fall over. My
testing procedure went off without a hitch.
 Evaluation
Everything went smoothly and without hiccups throughout the entire
process of developing my product. However, it took some time for
the plaited bags to stay in place when coiling them into a round
shape. The mug and bowl sat comfortably and steadily on the coaster
during testing. There was no need for additional work, and the item
turned out exactly as expected.