Scrunched up, my newspapers go in the compost bin.

Esp with “greens” such as just mown grass.

Helps stop the bin getting too soggy.

The egg boxes go in there too - torn up, of course :O)

you’re supposed to ensure the ink used isn’t a toxic one. I don’t know how to check this though :(

Glossy magazines are certainly a no-no.

You shouldn’t have too much of a problem with composting newspaper :-). Most newspaper uses soy ink, since it is cheaper. Soy ink is biodegradable, and the ‘paper will probably tell you in a corner or the bottom if it is printed with soy ink.

I don’t recommend crumpling the newspaper if you’re going to put it in the compost bin. It takes longer to decompose that way.

I was just about to suggest that.

Sometimes I just fork strips of soggy newspaper into the soil too, to break it up if the soil is too heavy with clay.

My mum and dad have one of those compressor things that turn old newspapers into fire logs that burn for an hour. It’s a good way to get rid of old paper but I don’t know if it’s the greenest solution…

SaraR

sarar wrote:

My mum and dad have one of those compressor things that turn old newspapers into fire logs that burn for an hour. It’s a good way to get rid of old paper but I don’t know if it’s the greenest solution…
SaraR

I know one that is environmentaly friendly and low maintenance(and don’t worry if you burn it, - because if you have fireplac ein the house, you would burn wood anyway - and this thing will save you a couple of pennies)
http://www.naturalcollection.com/natural-products/Waste-Log-Maker-Fuel-for-Free.aspx

If yer grow runner beans, line the bottom of the trench with wet soggy newspaper - helps to retain the moisture.

Bev, I have clay soil too - does your trick really work..??

It’s hard to say since I always put it in when I’m generally digging the beds over and throwing in new compost. I shall have to do some “clinical” trials!

This is very good way to use the newspapers and especially for runner beans as they need a lot of water and it definately works, my mother did this 20 years ago - ahead of her times obviously!!!

We use them as a throw-away cleaning rag. Handy for cleaning up cat vomit (or worse).

Newspaper is also better for cleaning windows with than cloth as it doesn’t leave lint behind.

Agree with John, when combined with potatoes and vinegar you get super clean glass.

Screwes up newspaper shine up stainless ateel sinks too. The newsprint is a fine abrasive..no scratches1

Rosie:)

Most newspaper is OK to compost, since it uses soy ink, which is biodegradable.

When I see an article I know a friend would enjoy, I make sure to keep it until the next time I give that friend a present - then I use the paper as the gift wrapping.

A bit odd, but…

6 layers of paper makes an excellent insulator.

Tile in the winter is extremely cold, and if you did it systematically you could tape down a layer of papers that would not only make your feet warmer, but possibly lower your heating bill.

I’d recommend taping a thin rug down over the paper, if only for traction and appearance.

I might be an over-usage of tape, but it’s just an idea.

If you’re creating a new bit of garden bed, a thick layer of newspaper stops weeds coming up. If you feel like investing in a shredder, shredded newspaper makes great mulch for gardens too (helps retain water and keep roots cool in summer, stops roots getting too cold in winter).

I find putting the newspaper layers down then covering them with grass clippings is good - stops it blowing about and looks nicer. Really works for weeds, especially between rows of veg as it doesn’t last forever and it noticeably improves the soil quality once the worms have had their say. You can mulch right up to the stalks of courgettes etc, then you don’t get loads of small weeds using the bigger plant as a shelter.

shredded or torn newspaper makes a great edible bedding for the red wriggler worms that recycle your kitchen waste. Just soak well, squeeze out and mix with some soil, add worms and voila!

The worms love coffee grounds and filters and tea bags too.

If you have no garden (second-floor flats tend to do that to you!), do try papier-mache - you’ll be amazed at the things you can make, and how durable and sturdy it can be.

Tip: If you’re in London and travel on the Tube, nab as many copies of the Metro/London Lite/thelondonpaper or any other paper as you think you can handle to recycle, use for mache, use in your garden, whatever. It’s free, it’s reusing and if you don’t take ‘em, they’ll only sit on the train ’til the depot and be thrown away! Lookee here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/6747565.stm - you’ll be doing your bit and getting something you can use!

You can buy cute little plant-pot makers that take a rolled strip of newspaper and turn them into a little plant pot suitable for seedlings etc. it’s better than buying peat pots, and good for things that don’t want longer root-systems (eg sweet peas, which prefer empty loo rolls).

I know the National Trust sells them, and I think the garden organic website has them too. They’re made of wood and look lovely. (not that I want one….!)

We should sell these to traders who sell these to reusing councils where the paper is de-inked using the bleaching process,chlorinating process etc.

Most animal shelters will gladly take newspapers. They use it in multiple ways.