by contributing writer Angie
If you regularly receive newspapers, you know how they can pile up after they’ve been read. Hopefully you’re making sure to recycle these newspapers. However, recycling isn’t your only option for old newspapers. Here are six ways to use newspaper around your home.
Compost
Composting is the ultimate recycle around our house. We love knowing that the things that we’ve put in are going to eventually become rich soil for our garden. Newspaper is a perfect addition to your composting efforts, or even to layer right into a garden before planting. Newspaper can be an especially great thing to add to your composting bin if you find yourself adding a lot of vegetable, or “green,” matter.
Gift Wrap
This is a classic use for old newspaper. Of course, it’s a classic for a reason. With the price of wrapping paper rising all the time, why not go green and wrap gifts with newspapers that you’ve already read, especially something fun like the comics. While you probably won’t want to go this route for a wedding gift, it is fun and appropriate for many less formal occasions. See more Frugal Gift Wrap Ideas here!
Glass Cleaner
For years, I used various glass cleaners for the windows and mirrors in my home. It was only after my Grandmother passed away that I thought nostalgically on her washing all of those things with a vinegar and water mix and old newspaper as a “cloth.” I thought it seemed like such a crazy thought to try to wash something like mirrors and windows with newspapers. However, since trying it, my mirrors and windows have never been cleaner. See 15 Ways to Use Vinegar to Clean your Home here.
Art Projects
Keeping a stack of old newspapers with art supplies for kids is a perfect way to attempt to save surfaces that might otherwise get marked up with paint and markers from your child’s latest art project. Newspaper mats aren’t just for kids though, as I often lay them out when I am creating a painting as well. Not only does it keep my work area neat and speed clean up, but I can also doodle or test colors on it.
Packing Material
If you’ve ever packed up your household and moved, you know what a life saver old newspapers can be for packing up delicate items. While the newsprint means that you might need to wash items after you’ve unpacked them, hopefully you’ll just be pleased that your breakables have made it to their new home in one piece.
Vegetable Crisper Helper
A vegetable crisper drawer in the refrigerator can have the problem of too much moisture. Adding in some old newspaper can absorb both moisture and some odors.
What are some other ways that you use newspaper?
photo by Erich Ferdinand
Jess says
Newspaper makes a great weed barrier in gardens or flower beds. It won’t last forever, but can be mixed in as compost as needed.
Lana says
I read somewhere over the past few months that newspaper is good to use to keep weeds at bay in your flower beds. I’m going to try it this year! If it works, it will save me money on the weeds be gone landscaping mat plus recycle the newspapers!