We all create paper “waste” from our daily lives and many of us have a home shredder which we use for destroying documents. I use my shredder to cut up my weekly newspapers and any other softer, more absorbent paper types. I put the shredded paper into a large bucket and when the bucket is half full, I start making briquettes for my (multi fuel) log burner.
Some Different Uses For Shredded paper
1. Scent-sational Sachets
Make a neat little sachet and fill with scented, shredded paper. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils. Place the sachet in a drawer, in the car, in your trainers/kitbag or in the bottom of a bin.
2. Pet Bedding Rabbits, small rodents, chickens
Use instead of or mix with their usual bedding. Dust proof paper is better. Once soiled, add to your compost heap.
3. Litter trays
Cat litter can be expensive especially the self-clumping or deodorising type. Add some shredded paper to it, to make it go a little further. If the cat approves!
4. Crafts
Shredded, soaked and pulped paper is great for making papier mache: e.g.bowls or seedling pots. There are many tutorials available on line.
5. In the garden
Add some to the compost heap and damp it down. Use it to protect seedlings. Place it under strawberries, to stop them spoiling. Use it to store/protect lifted tubers etc over winter.
6. Light the fire
Create your own fire starter by stuffing shredded paper into an old toilet roll holder.
7. Sensory Bins
Shredded paper in a cardboard box can be used to hide toys or treats for children or dogs to have fun finding. Or you can challenge them to guess what they are feeling/holding.
These are just a few ideas that I am sharing.
If you don’t want to shred newspapers, then many Animal Charities are glad of them to mop up spills/leaks and to add extra insulation to sleeping areas.
