Uses for old newspaper material?

August 5, 2006 9:39 AM

Chemical profiles of typical newsprint and novel uses for recycled newspaper.

What types of chemicals are in domestic, U.S. newspapers -- partic. harmful/toxic ones? Also, does anyone have any innovative suggestions for uses for old newspapers?

posted by pallen123 to Technology (9 answers total)

One of the best uses is to roll the newspapers up, then shellac them, and use them as building blocks for furniture. The columns are pretty strong for their weight, and the resultant stuff looks cool. It was in Readymade magazine, but I can't find the issue around my house anymore.
posted by klangklangston at 10:02 AM on August 5, 2006 [1 favorite]

In a pinch, we used to deliver babies on them, because the newsprint was considered anti-bacterial. I have no idea what's in newsprint these days or if that is still regarded as a good idea.

They also used to roll them very tightly and use them for fireplace logs. They sold a Thing for doing it. I believe they did produce more creosote and you had to clean the chimney more often.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 10:24 AM on August 5, 2006

Don't know about chemical content, but newspapers here in the UK used to be used for wrapping fish and chips - you don't see that these days, though, so perhaps someone got wise to some adverse effect of newsprint or ink - or perhaps the composition of newsprint/ink has changed.
posted by altolinguistic at 11:14 AM on August 5, 2006

klangklangston: any idea what Readymade issue that was? (timeframe, cover picture...?) I'd love to see more about it but can't find anything online.
posted by whatzit at 3:37 PM on August 5, 2006

newspaper ink these days is soy based. makes for good bbq fodder...
posted by prodevel at 4:06 PM on August 5, 2006

Spread-out newspapers make kick-ass weed barriers. Lay them down several sheets thick in spring, before weeds start, or in fall, when they've died. Cover them with mulch. Water can get through, but it stifles weeds. Cut X's if you need to plant through the papers. The papers very slowly decompose into the soil. Bonus: Earthworms seem to really love decomposing paper.

I'm an organic gardener, FWIW, and according to what I've been able to find out, modern black newspaper ink & newsprint are okay to use in the garden, though colored newspapers shouldn't be used for this purpose.

I've also heard that local animal shelters can use shredded newspaper for litter, though I've never followed up on this tip.
posted by ROTFL at 4:35 PM on August 5, 2006

Newsprint is really good for cleaning glass and mirrors. It prevents smudges.
posted by Violet Hour at 10:22 PM on August 5, 2006

It makes a good addition to a compost heap, too. Shred or rip in strips and floof it when you throw it on. You just use it in layers between organics.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 8:21 AM on August 6, 2006

My girlfriend seems to have thrown out that issue of Readymade.
I always tell her that I'll need all of the crap that I obsessively accumulate around the house, but she remains skeptical.
posted by klangklangston at 10:01 AM on August 6, 2006