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NEWSPAPERS

I stopped my newspaper delivery years ago, opting for the ease of other sources, but I still get a number of "free" deliveries (mail carrier, solicitors, etc.) that I'm unable to cancel. Fortunately, the amount isn't large and I have lots of great ways to reuse it here at home.

1. Shred and add to the compost bin

2. Use to smoother grass to make new garden beds

3. Use as a layer in your "Lasagna" garden (great book by Pat Lanza)

Shredded mixed paper in a new 

raised bed (blog 03-25-11)

4.  Use damp sheets to cover the worms in your bin

5. Make seed tapes

Seed tapes (blog 05-03-11)

Fun project for kids

6. Make "logs" for the fireplace.  Soak tightly rolled newspapers in water, allow to dry thoroughly 

    before burning.

7. Clean windows and mirrors

8. Wrap gifts

9. Use as packaging material when mailing items or storing holiday ornaments

10. Use at the bottom of your fruit and veggie drawer to absorb moisture and odors

11. Fruit ripening. Wrap pears and avocados in paper and store in a dark cupboard to ripen

12. Paper mache' craft projects 

13. Donate to animal shelters, schools, scouting troops and other groups

14. Craft projects (check out "Pinterest" for everything from baskets to wall art)

14. Dry wet shoes by stuffing them with crumpled newspaper

15. Use as a makeshift ironing board

16. Use crumbled wet newspapers to pick up the tiny pieces of broken glass after sweeping up the 

      big pieces

17. Unscrew a broken lightbulb.

18. Use tightly rolled up wet newspapers (wrap with a rubber band) to catch earwigs in the garden

19. Leave some newspapers in the trunk of your car for cleaning windows, providing traction in the snow, and laying in your trunk when shopping for plants and to protect your car from other messy containers

20. Start melon, cucumber and squash seeds in strawberry cages lined with newspapers.  Plant the seedlings, cage and all.  The paper will decompose and the roots will grow through the open spaces without being disturbed during the transplant.

Strawberry cage seed planting (03-24-11 Blog)

Sowing squash seeds

If all else fails, adds to your recycling bin.  It might be something great in it's next life!

Be well, be sustainable and happy gardening!!