If you have a wood-burning fireplace or stove and a big stack of newspapers, you've got a great opportunity to save on your gas bill this winter without the effort or cost of chopping or buying firewood. You can convert your old newspapers, junk mail and paper waste into fireplace logs that will keep you warm all winter. Think of all of the trees you’ll save when you start your own personal paper recycling plant.
Things You'll Need:
Things You Will Need
Open the newspaper at the center fold so that it spans approximately 12.5 inches wide by 22.5 inches tall. The thickness of the newspaper will determine the size of the paper fireplace logs.
Insert paper waste and junk mail inside the newspaper pages.
Roll the newspaper up tightly from top to bottom.
Twist wire around both ends of your paper fireplace log.
Dunk the newspapers in the bucket of water, soak for 1 minute and remove. Stack on drying rack and allow to dry completely before burning.
Warnings:
- Avoid incorporating glossy or coated paper materials into your paper logs, as they can release chemicals into the air as they burn. Most newsprint contains vegetable dye, making it safe to burn in your fireplace or woodstove. Be sure that the paper logs have completely dried before you attempt to burn them, or they will smolder and smoke instead of burning.