Interesting and Useful Ways to Recycle Newspaper
A reader writes “What can you do with old newspaper?
Recycling newspaper is nothing new. People have been doing it for decades…long before saving the planet was a thing. Our ancestors used the mantra “recycle, repurpose and reuse”. Newspapers are arguably the easiest products to recycle! And any efforts we, as a society, can make to reduce landfill waste is going to be worth the extra effort. Also, since the majority of companies now use plant-based ink, it’s now more environmentally safe to recycle newspapers than in the past.
Even if your scope of recycling is on the small side, every little bit you do makes a difference in the big picture. Think about it like this. If you do a little. And your neighbor does a little. Their neighbors neighbor does a little. It all adds up. And that’s just one community! Imagine what could happen if every community were like this!
So, never underestimate the power of individual efforts. Combined, those efforts can change the world!
Here, I’ve listed a few old school ideas…things our ancestors did with old newspapers. There are also some new school ideas as well as a few interesting and creative ones too! Feel free to add your own spin on these recycling ideas and make the ancestors proud!
Enjoy!
Old School Uses for Recycling Newspaper (aka “the obvious”):
- Pages were wadded up and used to stuff shoes, boots, purses and hats to help keep their shape.
- In addition to holding its shape in boots and shoes, the newspaper also acts as a deodorizer. Wonder if the ancestors knew that!
- Wadded up newspaper was used to help speed up the drying process for rain-soaked boots and shoes.
- Many depression-era photos show that our ancestors used newspaper to cover their walls to keep out drafts.
- Our ancestors made new paper from unwanted or discarded papers. Learn this modern technique for making paper.
- Old newspapers were used to line pantry shelves. Much easier to lay down and remove than the sticky stuff used nowadays!
- I remember my mother lining dresser drawers with newspaper to deter pests.
- Block drafts from a loose window by placing several layers inside a window sill. Close the window on the paper to hold it in place.
- Use as fire starters: Loosely wad up a page and light or create a newspaper “log” by tightly wrapping several layers together and securing with string or twine.
- Use wadded up pages to stuff toys.
- Make paper dolls and clothing for those dolls.
- Newspaper was used to clean windows and mirrors before paper towels were available. Bonus: No streaks or lint left behind!
- Stuff inside jackets and coat sleeves to add extra insulation against cold weather.
- It was used in the outhouse before toilet paper was invented.
- Used as gift wrap…the “funnies” are still being used today for that purpose!
- Several layers of newspaper were used to wrap food and meat. Probably not a great option in today’s world but it kept the flies (and their eggs) off the food.
- Used as weed block in the garden. I’m not sure how old this idea is but I remember this process from when I was a small child…so it’s been around for awhile.
New School Uses for Recycling Newspaper (aka “the obvious with a twist”):
- Just as layers of paper inside a coat or jacket could help insulate against the cold, several layers under a sleeping bag can do the same thing. It also helps protect against moisture.
- Bio-degradable seed pots. Cost-effective as well as being a great project for the kids.
- Once shredded, it can be added to the compost pile. Shredding helps it break down faster.
- As with composting, shredded newspaper can be used as bedding in worm farms.
- Use a wadded up newspaper to scrub grill or oven racks.
- After grilling and allowing the grill to cool slightly, place several layers of wet newspaper on warm grill racks and close the lid. The wet newspaper helps loosen cooked on food for easier cleanup.
- Stuff suitcases and food storage containers with newspaper to remove odors.
- Lay several layers in the bottom of the kitchen garbage can to help eliminate odors. Same can be done for the crisper/vegetable drawers in the fridge. Plus, the newspaper will soak up any liquids from leaking containers or meat packages.
- Make paper beads. Wrap narrow strips of newspaper around a straw or chopstick and glue. Beads can be painted and strung to make original pieces of jewelry.
- Make paper mache’ bowls or birthday pinatas.
- Broken glass? Once the big pieces are cleaned up, wet a wad of newspaper and press over the area to pick up tiny shards of glass. Works like a magnet!
- Pirate hats and cone party hats are a little on the old school side. But have you tried making tea party hats?
- Keep a small stack of newspapers in your car…so you have something to lay on in case of roadside repairs.
- In a pinch, old newspapers make a great diaper-changing pad.
- Newspapers can add extra padding underneath a traditional tablecloth. If anything spills, your wood table is protected. Or go old farm style and use several layers of newspaper as the “tablecloth”. Family feasts will be much easier and quicker to clean up. Plus, you’ll have ideas for dinner conversations!
- Cut out stars, hearts or triangles to make a rustic, homemade bunting or banner.
- Cover a bulletin board, picture frame or lamp shade with newspaper to give it a new look.
- Use newspaper as the first layer in a litter box. Add kitty litter on top of the paper. Newspaper will absorb the moisture and cut down on odors.
- Old newspaper can be used to make gift bags and storage baskets.
- Get the kids involved in making easy recycled paper coasters or trivets.
Something a little different:
- You know those boring mats that come with picture frames? Give your favorite photos some character by covering the mats in newspaper.
- Use newspapers to cover a side table, wooden chair or even an entire dining room table top. Modge Podge and a few other supplies will get you going.
- Check this out for a new twist on newspaper wall covering.
- Make a wreath…or two.
- Build a fort or tunnel. Instead of ripping or folding the paper, simply roll it into long tubes that are tied together. The kids will love helping with this project!
- Care to try your hand at paper wigs?
- I kinda dig this clock and wall art!
- Here’s a Youtube video for making a newspaper purse.
- A newspaper dress is really thinking outside the box. Pretty sure nobody else will be wearing one like it this season!
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve done with newspapers? I’d love to hear from you so leave a comment below! And if you know someone who has old newspapers to spare, feel free to share this post with them!
Until next time,
lisa
LisasSimpleLife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
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