Giving newspapers a second life.

This is a paper-mache trash bin made of Japanese newspapers. I kind of want it.

I found a 5 Ways to Reuse Newspaper blog on the DIY Diva section of the National Geographic website.

1. Clean your windows. I haven't tried this. But the person wrote that instead of using paper towels, crumpled newspapers are just as good and they will make glass and mirrors shine. Maybe I'll try that later.

2. Substitute shredded or crumpled paper for Styrofoam. Put newspapers through paper shredders as substitute for Styrofoam peanuts.

3. Store fragile dishware. Fold squares of newspapers and use it to put between plates and bowls to protect them.

4. Start a barbecue. Instead of putting chemical lighter fluid, light crumpled pieces of newspapers and the briquettes will light themselves.

5. Make "tablecloths." I’ve been using newspapers as tablecloths religiously. If it’s just me and my family eating, we put newspapers on the table and it protects the table from scratches when setting up food. Little spills will land on the newspaper, and if we eat fish, the newspaper is there to put the bones on. After we’re done, we throw it away and the table looks really good as new.

NOW FOR MY TIPS!!

1. Place them on the stove when frying. Of course, don’t let the paper touch the actual stove that would be dangerous. At my house, we take the newspapers, fold them up and put it around the stove. That way when we fry fish, chicken, egg rolls, whatever, the oil goes onto the sheets. When done, roll it up and throw it away. Cleaning up oil can be messy business. Newspapers will help keep the mess less.

2. Keep them in the car. My favorite thing to use newspapers for is when it rains. The floor of my car gets pretty dirty. Even though I already have car liners, I still like keeping it extra clean. So when it rains, I put a few newspapers on top of my liners. Second is going to the beach. I love sand on my feet but not in my car.

3. Keeping fragile Christmas decorations safe. It could be any fragile home decoration. Wrapping little townspeople and houses in newspapers is good to keep it from breaking. Wrap ornaments in newspapers then shove in crumpled newspapers for cushion. Place in box. Done.