Paper - the easiest of home recycling

The digital world was first thought to be the solution to the world's paper usage. In most cases, the opposite has been true. You can reduce the amount of paper you use by opting into online statements and billing as well as online newsletters. Ebooks are usually cheaper than their printed counterparts and do not clutter up your home. You are probably saying what about the rest? What about all the junk mail I get? What if I don't have the option to switch to online accounts? Recycle it, reuse it, use your imagination. Paper products are the easiest and most recyclable material available. Cardboard belongs here as well. As long as it does not have a glossy coating, the same applies to paper, cardboard has many uses in the home and garden.

Getting started

Paper can be reused multiple times as-is or recycled to create new usable material. Give a child a pair of scissors and some junk mail or newspapers and see where their imagination can take them. Paper Mache decor uses a lot of paper. Recycling paper at home requires only a large container, a blender, an old picture frame, a piece of window screen that fits the picture frame, and water. Soak and blend the paper. Place the mixture in a container large enough for the picture frame with the screen inside to lay flat inside. Cover the screen with the pulp to the desired thickness. Lift the frame straight up and allow the water to drain. Set aside and allow the paper to dry completely. The resulting paper or cardstock, depending on the thickness, can be used as gifts or greeting cards, or other crafts. For a splash of color try adding some food coloring to the mix. With a little practice, you will be able to gauge the thickness of the paper as you fill the frame. Cardboard can be treated in the same manner but because the fibers are courser in cardboard it will take longer for them to soften in the water. You could also you the blended mixture directly in the garden. In this form, the wood fibers will break down in the soil in a matter of days rather than a few weeks or months.

Garden projects

Paper and cardboard have many uses in the garden as well. Paper and cardboard break down quickly adding nutrients and organic material, creating healthier soil for your plants to grow in. Making them a gardeners' best friend.

Project list

Cardboard project ideas:

• Compost
• Biodegrable pots
• Earwig traps
• Weed barrier
• Burned for ash (fertilizer/soil treatment)