Creative projects
Old newspapers make great material for a variety of creative projects. Use them for papier-mâché or to make paper-mache bowls, collage, decoupage, or to create a homemade piñata. You can also use newspaper to wrap gifts, creating a unique and eco-friendly look. Another fun project is to create paper beads from strips of newspaper and use them to make jewelry.
Gardening
Newspapers can also be used in place of expensive weed barriers in the garden. To use them in the garden, lay sheets of newspaper directly onto the soil before adding a layer of mulch or other organic matter. This will discourage weeds from growing by blocking out sunlight and preventing them from growing through the mulch layer. Newspaper can also be used to create compost, by adding it to your compost bin or pile.
Cleaning
Old newspapers can be used to clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces around the home. Simply crumple up sheets of newspaper and use them to wipe down the surface. The newspaper ink acts as a gentle abrasive, helping to remove dirt and grime without leaving streaks. You can also use newspaper to scrub dirty pots and pans – the abrasiveness of the ink helps to loosen stuck-on food particles.
Pet care
Old newspapers can be used to line the bottom of pet cages, making clean-up easier. They can also be shredded and used as bedding for small pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. If you have a puppy or dog, lay out newspaper on the floor during house training to help with accidents – it’s easier to clean up than carpet, and your puppy will quickly learn that this is the spot to go!
Donation
If you’re not interested in any of these uses for old newspapers, consider donating them to local schools, libraries, or animal shelters. Many classrooms use newspapers for art projects, and animal shelters use them to line cages and create a cozy spot for animals to rest. You could also take your old newspapers to a recycling center – recycling helps reduce landfill waste and conserves resources.
