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Newspapers only have one use for most people, but as preppers we should always be thinking about re-purposing items…

1 – Make Your Own Dinnerware

If you’re an origami master, you’ll be able to fold and crease newspaper into a makeshift plate/bowl come dinnertime.

But, if you’re not an origami master and still want your dinnerware to last a long time, there’s an easier way (especially if you have a couple days of time to devote to it).

First tear the newspaper into large segments (about half a page). Lay these pieces inside a colander so they line the inside of the bowl. Make sure to cover the rim as well (you’ll need to pinch along the sides to make sure it forms with the shape of the colander).

Do this until you have a few layers in the colander (so it’s thick). Then place the colander in your sink, and let the faucet drench the paper. Keep the shape of the bowl by continually pounding the bottom, pressing against the sides, and pinching the edges.

Now add even more segments of dry newspaper, and repeat the process of wetting it down and and pressing it to the previous layer. This way the newspaper will begin to stick/form together.

Leave the paper in the colander for a couple days to let it dry completely. Once it’s dried, you’ll be able to take out the paper, and you’ll have a hard, durable bowl to use for eating your survival food.

2 – Stay Dry While You Sleep

Sleeping bags can be uncomfortable to sleep in when you’re laying on wet grass/dirt. However, you can easily keep yourself warm and dry with the help of newspaper.

Simply lay sheets of newspaper onto the ground, and then lay your sleeping bag on top of the paper. Be sure to use a thick amount if the grass is heavy with dew, or if there’s snow on the ground.

3 – Keep Your Body Warm

If it’s freezing outside and you’ve put on your last jacket, you could be in danger of hypothermia if you don’t add extra insulation. Luckily, newspaper is here to save the day. Stuff your shirts, pants and jackets with the paper (or line the inside and tape it in); this will help you retain body heat.

4 – Eat Your Produce Faster

Produce like avocados, bananas, and tomatoes can take their time to ripen if you buy/pick them too early. And, if you’re in an SHTF situation, you really don’t have time to wait for those foods to get to their peak.

Thankfully, newspaper can speed up the process. Wrap your fruits and veggies in a couple sheets of newspaper, leaving the ends open for ventilation. This will increase the speed at which your produce ripens, and the access to air will help prevent the foods from rotting.

5 – Create Your Own Gardening Space

The use of a survival garden is essential for survival; however, it can be tough to do when the soil near your home isn’t fertile. However, newspaper can help with that.

First, lay four sheets of newspaper on the grass/soil and cover them with 4-5 inches of bark mulch and shredded leaves. Take a hose or bucket of water, and douse the paper and mulch/leaves until it’s completely soaked.

Once Spring rolls around, these doused materials will have covered the ground, giving you a prime space to start your own mini garden.

Before you begin planting, make sure to dig your new compost into the ground, churning it with the old soil and disposing of any rocks you come across. Smooth the top of the soil, and presto – you can now plant your survival seeds in a thriving soil.

So how many of those uses had you thought of before? Please let us all know what you think. To see more great survival tutorials and tricks, check out Survival Frog Blog.

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