Repurposing items is not only thrifty, it’s also eco-friendly. However, far before it was common to recycle, people were coming up with ways to waste less and save more. The other day I found myself with a huge bag of chicken quarters that I needed to freeze into smaller portions. My mom tipped me off to what my grandfather used to do: instead of buying freezer paper, he used newspaper. I tried this and it works! I just wrapped my meat portions in plastic wrap and then wrapped a layer of newspaper snugly. Like a little gift. The gift of meat. Ooooh. Here are some other ways to use the stacks of newspapers you keep forgetting to throw away:
1. Use them to wash your windows instead of a paper towel. For some reason you’ll get a really nice streak-free finish.
2. Fold them lengthwise until they’re a few inches wide, then stick them into your front door to block any drafts. I will admit that I scoffed at this practice that my husband learned from his family. It’s not very attractive. But when I saw our heating bill plummet I sucked it up. Go go Grandpa Joe.
3. Use it as wrapping paper and make it look like you are being hip instead of cheap by also making one of these nifty recycled magazine bows.
4. Make seed-starting pots for your garden. Here’s an easy origami pot tutorial.
5. Stuff wet shoes with newspaper to dry them quickly.This also works for stinky shoes.
6. Help your tomatoes ripen faster by wrapping them in newspaper.
7. Line your drawers in your refrigerator. The newspaper absorbs some of the moisture that can cause other items to go bad.
Have a tip for repurposing your newspapers? Leave a comment and share!
shred and then compost them in your garden. you can also use a layer of them as a weed barrier while your little plants are getting started!
I trade my newspaper for a neighbor’s coupons – she uses a log roller and makes logs for her fireplace out of my newspaper.
I love this idea, thanks! What an easy way to both compost and prevent weeds.
thanks for the great ideas! I will be trying Grandpa Joe’s idea tomorrow!!
I use my newspaper as a natural weed block in the garden. I planted flowers one year, covered the dirt with newspaper and then put mulch down. Three years later I still do not get weeds. I may need to recover this year but for three years nothing!! It really works.