How to Make Useful Objects From Old Newspapers
Recycling Ideas for the Environmentally Conscious
Feb 16, 2009
Newspapers have a 24-hour lifespan, after which they become useless as reading material. Millions of trees are chopped down worldwide to cater to the growing readership demand. Alternately discarded newspapers pile up in the garbage and ultimately in land fills. This spring, instead of throwing away stacks of newspapers, use them for some of these useful projects:
Handmade Recycled Paper
This is an easy project for kids that will teach them the importance of recycling. Shredded pieces of paper are blended with an adhesive to form a pulp which is then spread out in a thin layer to dry. Recycled paper can be used as eco-friendly wrapping paper for presents or as a base paper for handmade cards.
Papier Mache
Papier mache is the creation of three-dimensional objects out of paper pulp. This creative art form has been practiced all over the world since the advent of paper making. Strips of paper are spread over a base (e.g. balloon, pot or egg shell) and held together by an adhesive paste. The papier mache paste usually consists of flour and water, cooked to a creamy consistency. When the paper soaked in paste dries, it becomes hard and retains the shape of the mould. It can then be painted. Papier mache items like boxes, lamps and animals make wonderful gifts.
Garden Mulch
Layers of newspaper about 2" thick spread out in the garden and covered with leaves and grass form a protective cover that reduces evaporation, maintains even soil temperature, prevent erosion and controls weeds. Gardeners have found that this method enriches the soil and helps in bettering the quality of produce.
Paper Crafts
Create newspaper chains, cut-out dolls and hats. They can replace store-purchased decorations at a birthday party and are fun to make with the kids. Kites, boats, flowers, etc. are some of the many items that can be crafted from newspapers. These simple toys make good summer projects. Find more craft ideas online.
Around the House
- Newspaper aprons are just right for little helpers around the kitchen or when they have a messy project at hand. Spread paper on all surfaces to protect them from dirty hands and accidental spills.
- Dress patterns can be cut out of old newspapers and stored as templates for future sewing jobs.
- Bags and pouches made out of newspaper help cut down on the use of plastic bags when shopping.
The list of possible uses for old newspapers is endless. This is a versatile material that needs to handle a little more craftily to ensure that it does not go wasted. Recycling paper is small way towards a safer environment.
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