Clever uses for old newspapers
READING the morning newspaper is a relaxing ritual for many people, but unfortunately, this admirable habit results in the waste of a lot of paper.
Rather than simply tossing your old newspapers in the garbage pail (a very environmentally unfriendly approach), or even putting them in the recycling, you can let your trash save you some cash by using your old papers as a substitute for store-bought cleaning, lining, and packaging products. Here are some of our top ideas for repurposing those daily broadsheets.
1. Polish glass surfaces
Next time you're cleaning windows, don't reach for expensive paper towels!
Newspapers excel at cleaning glass surfaces, including mirrors, glass-top tables, and oven doors. Simply spray the glass surface with a solution of vinegar and water, or your favorite over-the-counter cleaner, and rub briskly with crumpled-up newspapers to achieve a streak-free shine.
2. Deodorise your belongings
Old newspapers are great at naturally deodorising tight spaces.
Stuff newspapers in wet, smelly shoes or boots overnight to dry them out and refresh them. Line cat litter boxes with several layers of old newspaper to absorb odors and moisture. You can even place crumpled newspapers in suitcases or storage bins for a few weeks to remove stale smells.
3. Prevent packing mishaps
Recycled newspaper can be an effective substitute for bubble wrap and other pricey packing materials. To pack fragile items, wrap each piece individually, then place them all in a box surrounded by crumpled newspaper. Make sure to fill in any extra spaces between the bottom and sides of the box, taking care that all items are separated by the paper. You can use the same approach to wrap and store
Keep shoes, boots, hats, and handbags in pristine condition by stuffing them with newspapers. Your recycled reading material will help maintain the natural shape of your footwear and accessories, and keep them odor-free.
5. Banish weeds from your garden
Use old newspapers as a natural weed killer or DIY garden mulch! Cover your flower or vegetable garden beds with several layers of old newspapers, layering the paper right up to the base of the plants you want to protect. Thoroughly soak the newspaper with water and cover with a thin layer of compost or mulch. The paper will smother the weeds, and it can be tilled into the soil when the season is over. While you're at it, add a few handfuls of wet shredded newspaper to your compost heap to give earthworms a tasty treat.
To create DIY biodegradable seedling pots, form sheets of newspaper into threeinch-high cups and fill them with potting soil. Then, plant seeds in the center of the soil-filled cups. Once the seedlings are ready to move outside, place the newspaper pots directly into the ground, where they will eventually disintegrate.
7. Keep produce fresh
With a few copies of the Sunday paper, you can ripen and preserve fruits and vegetables. Here are some ideas: Wrap green tomatoes in sheets of newspaper, layer them in a box, and put a lid on top to slowly ripen them.
Or, encase apples and pears in newspaper and store in a dry location to keep them from rotting.
For another smart reuse, place several sheets of newspaper in the crisper drawer of your fridge to absorb any mess from rotting produce and keep the drawer free of odors.