No matter how many times we unsubscribe from mailing lists and sign up for paperless billing, it seems the bills and junk mail keep coming. Furthermore, they always seem to be followed by unwanted sales flyers and newspapers you never signed up for. So, you pile it all up and every month you sit and shred all that unwanted paper along with your other sensitive documents. Instead of bagging the shredded paper up and throwing it out, repurpose it around your house in some of these easy and creative ways!
Composting: Take your shredded paper and mix it in with your compost so it breaks down quickly. It works especially well when mixed in with grass clippings. Avoid composting glossy paper or cellophane which do not decompose as easily, or in some cases, not at all.
Want to skip putting shreddings on the compost? Simply till or dig them into your garden in the fall around manure time.
Pet Bedding: Don’t waste money on messy bags of wood shavings! Use the shredded paper you already have in your home. Shredded paper makes perfect bedding for rodents like hamsters and rabbits. It’s also the perfect material to line your cat’s litter box because it makes your kitty litter last longer while still doing the same great job. When it’s time to replace the soiled shreddings, just add them to your compost to be reused in your garden.
Don’t have a pet? Donate your shredded paper to a local shelter - they are usually in need of bedding. Just be sure to call and check that they can accept it before bringing it in.
Packing Materials: Shredded paper is the perfect packing material for your fine china or on moving day. Since dumping buckets of shredded paper into a box can get a little messy, create cushiony balloons by filling old grocery bags with the paper and packing them around the contents of the box.
Mulch: Replace that expensive mulch you have been buying with the shredded paper you have in your home. Simply spread the shreddings in a medium-thick layer around your plants and wet them down with a hose. Wetting the paper will bind it together and the resulting paper-mache -like result will stop weeds from breaking through while helping conserve moisture. To make the area more visually appealing, put a thin layer of dirt down to cover the shreddings.
Confetti: Everyone loves throwing a little confetti at birthdays or New Years, but spending money on little shapes made of non-biodegradable materials just seems senseless considering they will be vacuumed up and thrown away. Repurpose your shredded paper by throwing it at any celebration. Then, vacuum it up and toss it on your compost pile. For best results, make sure to use a Confetti-cut shredder also known as a Cross-cut shredder.
Tip: Save your leftover wrapping paper from the Holidays so you can shred it to make colorful confetti on New Years.
Fire Starter: Forget about buying kindling, everything you need to start a fire can be found right in your house. Start with something flammable that can be filled, like an old egg carton, a cardboard cereal box, a paper towel or even a toilet roll. Fill your chosen container with as much shredded paper as it will hold. Place your new fire starter at the middle bottom of the fire and light the shredded paper inside.
Paper Mache: Since creating anything with paper mache requires strips of paper, it’s the perfect way to use your excess shredded paper. To create the glue, mix equal parts flour and water in a bowl with a hand mixer to ensure you won’t have any lumps. The thickness of the paste is a personal preference, but the consistency of pancake batter is usually a happy medium. Wet the shredded paper fully with the paste and mold it around whatever form you have chosen. Make sure you let the layer dry fully before adding another until you have reached your desired thickness. Let the whole thing dry and you’re done!
Drawer/Luggage Freshener:Instead of spending $15 on that nicely packaged potpourri, take some lightweight breathable cloth, or even a dyed coffee filter, and make it into your own scented freshener. Simply take some shredded paper and spray it with your favorite perfume or scented mist. Then, put that paper into your chosen holder and tie off the top. The paper will absorb the smell and continue to keep your drawer or luggage smelling great for a long time. And best of all, when it loses its smell or you get tired of the fragrance you don’t have to feel guilty recycling it and making a new one!
Trash Bag Absorbent: Everyone hates picking up a trash bag to find pools of smelly liquid in the bottom just ready to drip all over the floor and your shoes. Avoid this by putting down a layer of shredded paper in the bottom of the trash bag when you change the trash. Since paper is very absorbent, the shreddings will not only absorb the liquid but hold in some of the smell too.
Other Crafts: There are many other uses for shredded paper that are meant for fun rather than function. Use shredded paper to line an Easter basket, make your own paper and more! Check out our previous post with great shredded paper summer crafts for all ages.
For all of your other secure document and large quantity shredding needs, contact EnviroShred NW today!