Anybody got any neat tricks to reuse Newspapers?

Back in the Old Country, people used old newspapers instead of toilet paper.

Get silly putty and make pictures.

I use ours in my studio-rabbit cage. Once the rabbits are done shredding and “enriching” it I then use it as excellent mulch for our garden.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papier-mâché

No there are tons of reasons to compost!!! For one if you have a yard it can make it much healthier (no garden needed). You can also just compost for the positive environmental impact. Also local gardeners or neighbors would love the composts as a gift.

Beyond composting there are other reuses for newspaper. One that is coming up is gift wrapping.

Here are some More Tips
And some More

Seriously…Nobody said it? Fine… Papier Machè!

Every year I wrap my Christmas presents a different way different paper, ribbon, cards etc, about 3 years ago I decided to use newspaper, I’m not sure that I would do it again but it worked out well at the time, was certainly original well I have never come across that before and attracted much attention, none of it negative I was led to believe anyway

Take 4 or 5 sheets per person and serve your dinner on them, it’ll save on the washing up!

@drdoombot I once stayed at a hotel in Paris that had newspaper ripped in sheets for toilet paper. That was back in my salad days.

@janbb ??

@RedPowerLady “S true.

Use crumpled -up sheets below kindling in wood-burning stove; use to line bottom of cat’s carrying case; use to cover car seat on which carrying case rests, should you have a cat prone to motion-sickness.

Terrific for garden mulch.

@janbb Well i suppose if it works… haha

@RedPowerLady Believe me, it was not a “high class” hotel! 5 francs a night but a gorgeous view of Notre Dame!

@janbb ROFL Well I guess not!

I use it to start my coals in my grill. I also use it for packing and shipping semi-breakables. It is handy to use for washing windows.

They actually make newspaper rollers to turn the papers into pseudo logs to start fires . . . as demonstrated on this website . . . http://www.thegreenhead.com/2006/11/newspaper-log-roller-creates-starter-logs.php

Put them all in a bag and take them to the local Pet shelter once a month or so.

Make logs out of them to burn in the fireplace.

Make “building logs”” out of them for a childrens playhouse or castle.(roll the newspapers the long way one page at a time until they become at least 3 inches thick, then tie with string)

Make newspaper play sticks.

Use them to line your shoes and keep you warmer in the winter.

Make kites out of them.

Shred them for packing stuffing or hamster cage lining.

Make sleeping pads by sewing a sheet or blanket down one side and across the bottom, then fill with the shredded paper.

Cut fabric into two very large circles (at least three feet across), and sew them together (leave an opening about six inches), and stuff the giant pillow with shredded paper. Put lots of paper in there, because it will compress when kids sit and jump on it.

Not a really neat trick or anything but you can use newspaper instead of a paper towel to clean windows

Make a paper mache statue of me and my awesomeness

Build a tower or make clothing

@PandoraBoxx Awesome – thanks for those great links.

Here are some more uses:

Cheap insulation – Stuff rolled up newspaper under doors and in cracks of windows. Wrap around ice cream containers to carry to parties, to keep it cool. Stuff inside your coat or under blankets to keep warm in an emergency. Layers of newspaper are great insulation, for cooling or heating.

Use as pot holder – Works in a pinch to keep from getting burned.

Use as table cloth padding.

Use as a light reflector when taking photographs.

Finger/Hand Strengthener – One trick used by baseball pitchers and mountain climbers to strengthen their fingers and forearms is to lay a single sheet of newspaper on a flat surface and then lay their hand palm down in the center. Using only that hand, begin crumpling the newspaper and see how small a ball you can crumple it into. This is a great inexpensive rehab technique for those who’ve suffered hand injuries or strokes.

Workspace cover – Cover your craft area with newspaper – the all-purpose work table protector!

Glass cleaner – After you wash your windows or mirrors with soap and water or regular glass cleaner, polish the glass with a piece of crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.

Kitty litter liner – Use several sheets folded up to line the bottom of your kitty litter box.

Recycle it by making new paper – Instructions here.

Odor remover – Stuff wads of newspaper into your shoes or boots overnight to remove odors. Got an old plastic container that smells bad? Crumple up some newspaper and stuff it in the container. Seal it and leave it overnight to remove the stink. Also works in trunks, luggage or boxes that have that old musty smell.

Make paper hats

Make a kite

Garbage can liner – use several sheets of folded newspaper to line the bottom of your kitchen garbage can. It’ll help absorb liquids and odors.

Filler – as a quick and easy (and cheap!) filler for puppet heads, doll heads and bodies, packing for gifts and packages and so on, crumpled up newspaper can’t be beat.

Shape Keeper – stuff newspaper into your shoes or boots or purses when storing. Helps them keep their shape.

Dress Patterns – newspaper works for making your own clothing patterns. Butcher paper would be better, but newspaper will do in a pinch.

Sop/Sponge – use to sop up grease from oven, stovetop, driveway, etc.

@YARNLADY
Loving pet shelter idea :)

@Darwin when using copy and paste – if it says ‘instructions here’ please include the link
@RedPowerLady Our veterinarian takes all our newspapers for her kennels.

@YARNLADY Hubby is a huge fan of reusing before recycling. I’m going to have to tell him about this.

Thank you, everyone. These are great ideas.

@Shecky_Johnson HOLY BANANAS. I just noticed your avatar. I love you.

@YARNLADY – If you will note, the word Here is in red – it is the link to the entire article, so you can indeed find the instructions.

@Darwin Oh, at the top of the list – thanks, I missed that