Your Green Review

US paper recycling rates reached 52% in 2006 with paper makers recycling enough paper to fill a 15-mile-long-train of boxcars every day. Recycling paper no doubt saves considerable resources (water, electricity, trees etc.) and is preferable to landfilling, but all of this paper recycling also creates oft-overlooked chemical byproducts (sludge) through de-inking and contaminant removal. Miami Ohio’s paper recycling plant produces approximately 22 lbs of sludge for every 100 lbs of recycled paper-this sludge is ultimately landfilled and can potentially leach into water supplies (Energy Information Association).

Recycling at home is not only more efficient but it’s a great way to get creative while getting Green(er)! Great for personalized invitations, an afternoon project with the kids or just because it’s one more way to tread lighter.

This simple recipe can be modified and tweaked according to preferences and resources available. If you don’t like the result, simply shred and try again!

What paper can I use?

* Computer Paper (unprinted)

* Newspaper (may result in grayish paper)

* Magazines

* Old Cards (For heavier paper)

* Toilet Paper

* Toilet Paper Rolls

* Paper Bags

* Non Waxed Boxes (Pre-soak in warm water)

* Office Paper

* Tissue Paper (For finer paper and tinting)

* Typing Paper

* Napkins

* Construction Paper

What Else Can I Use?

* Flower Petals

* Seeds

* Leaves

* Grass Clippings, Flower Stems and bark

* Other Backyard Finds

Supplies you’ll need:

* Sponge

* Window Screening (mold) OR Felt/Flannel Fabric

* Wood Frame For Mold (old picture frame can be used too)

* Plastic Basin/Tub (Large enough to totally immerse frame)

* Blender/Food Processor (For making paper pulp)

* Staples or Tacks (For tacking screen on frame)

* Liquid starch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Shred paper into small pieces, mixing different paper types to create your own unique paper.

2. Fill blender about half full with shredded paper then fill with warm water. Run the blender slowly then increase the speed until the pulp looks smooth and well blended without paper flakes ( 30 -40 seconds). Fold seeds into pulp mixture.

3.) Fill plastic tub half way with water. Pour in pulp and add 2 teaspoons of liquid starch for every 3 blender loads of pulp. The more pulp used the heavier the paper will be.

4.) Catch pulp mixture in the cloth, wring out excess water and form into paper shape you desire (then skip to step 7). OR Place the mesh mold into the pulp mixture, gently wiggling it side to side allowing mixture to settle evenly on top of the screen.

5.) Slowly lift the mold and allow to drip then remove as much excess water with a sponge.

6.) Place felt or flannel cloth on top of the mold and flip over. Gently remove mesh mold, leaving paper on the cloth.

7.) Ways to dry seed paper: 1) Set paper on pie pan or pizza pan in 250 oven about 10 mins. 2) Gently wave hair dryer over paper until it is is dry enough to peel off and turn over. Repeat blow dry. 3) Set in front of household fan.

And voila! You’ve got paper! Simply plant in the garden when you’re through and return it to the ground from whence it came…