Old Newspaper...Surat Khabar Lama...Sau Gau Bo Chi




What should you do with the newspaper you've just read? Recycle it, of course — but recycling doesn't always mean tossing it into a bin so it can be reincarnated. Consider using your old paper to save money around your home and garden, and making fun projects. Here are 10 things to do with old newspaper:


1) Disposable Table/Floor Cloths

Use newspapers to cover tables and floors when painting a picture, or when kids do crafts or art projects. Take advantage of layers, as using several layers will increase the protection of the surface in case of spills. It also allows you to remove stained layers and reveal fresh layers beneath.


2) Cleaning Windows

Wash windows with newspaper. Just tear into strips of about 3 inches (7.5cm) in width and ball these up. Use as you would normally use a paper towel. The advantage of a newspaper is that it will not leave lint on your window or mirror. Note that ink may come off onto your hands and any adjoining lightly painted surfaces. Simply wipe off with water if that happens or wash your hands with soap.


3) Scrap-booking

Use newspaper for scrap-booking. Just be aware that the ink may rub off onto the next page, so a protective page cover is probably a good idea. This is a neat way of saving clippings with a lot of personal meaning, such as photos or stories about family achievements in sport, college and professional life.


4) Windows Cover

Paste the newspapers on the window pane for protection from the sunlight. This should only be a temporary measure as it doesn't look very nice, but it can be helpful while someone is convalescing or to protect a pet or a plant from getting too much sunlight; at least until you can get around to buying a proper window dressing.


5) Packing Supplies

Use newspaper in packing as a cushion for delicate items. Newspaper is very versatile when it comes to packing because it can be laid out flat in layers for shock absorption, scrunched up to fill spaces and stop items from moving or hitting one another, or wrapped directly around fragile items to protect them as they're moved. Newspaper can also be used to protect surfaces that you're using to pack things on.


6) Gift Wrap

Use newspaper to wrap anything. In a pinch, newspaper works well for wrapping gifts. Most folks generally choose the comics because of the color and humor, but if the gift recipient is in, say, finance, why not use the business or money sections instead? The wrap will seem more thoughtful that way. If you’re super crafty, you can even make a newspaper bow to top it all off.


7) Origami Sculptures

Need an inexpensive activity to do with kids? Origami is the solution. Use newspaper as a tool for kids to play.  There are many things you can make such as a hat, boats, baskets, boxes — the list goes on. All you need is newspaper and directions can be found online. Simple yet safe for kids too.

8) Ripen Fruits

If you want to speed up the ripening process, simply wrap individual bananas, avocados, or tomatoes in newspaper so you can eat them sooner. Or else, can transport fresh flowers in damp newspaper to keep them fresh longer.

9) Book Covers

Use newspaper as book cover it seems kind of cool. Instead buy store-bought book covers, using newspaper really save your money. To tell the books apart once they’re covered, use a section of the newspaper that represents each book. For instance, if you’re covering a science textbook, pick the tech section of the paper.

10) Fire Starter

Very simple ans easy, make fire logs out of old newspapers. Roll sheets of newspapers up tightly in the shape of a log. Tie them tight with string and use them in your fireplace or on a camp fire.



There are dozens more ways to recycle and reuse old newspaper. Why not try all by your own and let us know how your newspaper pulls double duty in the comments section below.