Newspaper ink spreads. If your item is a lighter color or may get wet, use something else instead. You can also use it in place of tissue paper when stuffing gift bags. Divide an old newspaper into pages and then cut them into smaller squares. Place your present into the bag, then stuff it with newspaper sections until full.
Newspapers can also cover hard floors while packing. That way, if something falls, it is less likely to break. Again, do not use newspaper when packing something that stains easily. Use packing peanuts or styrofoam alongside newspaper for extra protection.
If your budget is tight, use shredded newspaper as kitty litter. Divide your old newspaper into sections and cut them into thin, vertical strips. Newspaper is absorbent and can be used as an alternative to storebought litter. [1] X Research source Pet owners who recently bought a dog can use newspaper lining on dog beds while training in case your puppy has an accident. Bird owners can use newspaper as daily removable lining on the bottom of its cage to avoid cleaning the base each day.
If you have any under-ripe fruits, wrapping them in newspaper can help them ripen faster.
The benefit of using newspapers instead of cleaning rags is that you can clean your windows without any streaks. Newspapers also won’t leave lint on your windows for maximum visibility.
Use the Sunday funnies (or daily comic papers) as gift wrap for a child’s present. If you dislike the newsprint style, paint on top of it with acrylics to create a classier look. Just make sure you put the gift in a box before wrapping to avoid paint staining the gift.
Origami is a fun and relaxing way to create art. If you have never folded origami before, now may be the time to learn! Begin with simple folds such as an origami swan, then progress to more complex projects. [5] X Research source If you live near a stream, create an origami boat and float them for afternoon fun. If with a friend, you can also have origami boat races.
Tear old newspaper strips into long strips, then create either a glue or flour paste mixture. ][6] X Research source Dip strips of newspaper into the paste, then lay them over the object you wish to papier-mâché. Repeat until your object is covered in the wet newspaper strips, then place it on a table to dry.
Newspaper ink can rub off on photos, so use a protective plastic layer when placing them in your scrapbooks.
Fill your compost bin with with the shredded newspaper and carbon-rich materials, alternating layers with nitrogen-rich compostable materials (such as coffee grounds and vegetable food scraps). [8] X Research source You cannot use newspaper bundles as compost. Without shredding it, the compost will not receive enough oxygen and will mold.
To fold a paper cup, cut a section of newspaper into a square, then fold the square diagonally. Fold one corner from the center of the opposite side, then repeat this with the other corner. Fold the top flaps down to create an opening for your cup, and place your seeds inside for planting.
If your sanitation company does not offer recycling, take your old newspapers to a recycling center. [9] X Research source Contact your local waste management center to learn what they do or don’t take.
