Francy That: Newspapers have another life in novel home projects

As I wrapped my canna lily bulbs in newspaper to prepare them for winter storage, it dawned on me that I have taken the multi-purpose factor of already-read newspapers for granted. We have explored the importance of the newspaper to report local news and events, but as some commercials breathlessly exclaim: "Wait! There's more!"

A quick Google search lists multiple websites describing anywhere from seven to 59 uses for newspapers - after they are read, of course. We know they are great for starting a fire, but Friends of the Earth suggests using crumpled newsprint to clean windows without streaks, line shelves and drawers, and pack breakable or delicate items before moving or placing them into storage.

In July 2015, Good Housekeeping offered a list that included using wadded up papers to deodorize stinky shoes or your garbage can. Crumpled newspaper tucked into wet shoes or boots aids in drying, and a few sheets of damp paper are perfect for cleaning up glass shards once the large pieces have been removed. Just place the paper over the mess, press gently, and lift. Safe and efficient.

For gardeners, the magazine recommends putting down a layer of paper under mulch to act as a weed barrier. There were concerns at one time about the paper and/or ink containing chemicals that harm the environment. The Permaculture Research Institute site reports that most newsprint ink is now soy-based and the paper itself is made without chlorine bleach. The Institute gives its seal of approval as environmentally safe if your paper follows these guidelines.

Personally, we use the newspaper to absorb moisture when ripening tomatoes and storing them indoors. Cabbages keep better when wrapped in newspaper too. We have used crumpled newspapers in the freezer when the chopped onion odor escaped its containers. Newspapers are great counter or table covers when handling messy projects such as potting plants or starting seeds.

As winter closes in and the pandemic continues, creative souls may want to check out the Felt Magnet website that offers "59 Amazing Crafts Using Newspapers." This site lists such ideas as making hats, wreaths, gift wrap and bows. Many of their ideas are amazing.

One of the most unique hints came from the Good Housekeeping magazine. "Open a beer bottle. In a pinch, a tightly folded piece of newsprint can provide enough leverage to pop open a cold one." Some may raise a toast to that idea.

No matter how we recycle our used newspapers, we really would be in dire straits if we couldn't grab a few sheets of newspaper for a multitude of tasks.

We have often heard the term "essential" when referring to those we depend on to get us through these difficult times. On the other hand, we can argue that newspapers - the hard copy - are an essential part of our home for the information and all the other uses they provide. After all, it would be pretty difficult to wrap my canna lily bulbs in a computer screen for winter storage.

Francy Chammings is a retired English teacher and clinical psychologist who loves living in Carlton County.