Despite the herald of the end of print, many of us still get our news the old-fashioned way. Whether you pick up your local paper every Sunday with a coffee, or have it home-delivered seven days a week, there are ways to use all those trees beyond throwing the pile in the blue box and hoping for the best.
INSULATION
Layers of newspaper are great insulation, for cooling or heating.
-Stuff rolled up newspaper under doors and in cracks of windows come winter time.
-Wrap around ice cream containers or chilled desserts to carry to parties.
-Stuff inside your coat or under blankets to keep warm in an emergency.
REHAB
Here's a technique for those who've suffered hand injuries or strokes, or anyone wanting to strengthen their fingers and forearms.
-Lay single sheet of newspaper on a flat surface, then lay your hand palm down in the centre. Using only that hand, begin crumpling the newspaper and see how small a ball you can crumple it into.
CRAFTS
Use in crafts, for crafts, and to cover the table on which you're doing all this work.
-Paper mache material.
-Paper making kits are inexpensive and easy to use. Take scraps of newspaper and liquidize them to form new sheets of paper.
-Fold into old-school sailor hats.
CLEANING
-Polish your windows, mirrors and glass with crumpled newspaper for a streak-free shine.
-Use them for drop sheets when painting, or for messy jobs like shining your shoes.
GARDEN
-Spread newspaper flat or shredded around the base of plants or between rows of plants and water thoroughly. Will discourage weed growth.
ODOUR REMOVER
-Stuff wads of newspaper into your shoes or boots overnight to remove odors.
-Stinky old plastic containers? Stuff with crumbled up newspaper, seal with lid and leave overnight.
-Also works in trunks, luggage or boxes that have that old musty smell. Great when packing away camping coolers for the winter so they won’t smell in the spring.
-Line the bottom of your kitchen garbage can with several sheets of folded newspaper to help absorb liquids and odours.
FIRESTARTER
-Roll newspaper bundles tight and secure with wire. Use in fireplaces or outdoor pits.
WRAP
-Use to wrap parcels and gifts; the cartoon section is popular with the kiddos.
-Moving? Use newspaper instead of specialty paper (just watch for items that may pick up the ink).
Finally, an idea that hasn't yet taken hold: a pocket umbrella with a used newspaper cover.
Credits:
make-stuff.com
tipnut.com
brighthub.com
eHow.com
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