Use Shredded Paper in the Garden

Here's an idea for what to do with all those papers you have with sensitive information on them that you don't want to put in the trash for fear of identity theft. If possible, shred the papers first. But this will work even without shredding.

Fill a sink up with water and place all the papers in there. Wait a few hours and they will turn to mush. Stir them around and squeeze them out with your hands. I take those soaked and shredded papers, and mix them in with my garden or potting soil. It really helps to keep the soil light and airy thereby promoting better plant growth and over time the papers disintegrate.

This takes care of two problems. It is an effective way to get rid of papers that you don't want to go into the trash, but it also helps your plants and gardens to keep the dirt from compacting and becoming hard.

By Cricket from Parkton, NC

Answers:

Use Shredded Paper in the Garden

Better yet, start off with plantable, seeded paper. You can purchase plantable, seeded note cards and stationery at http://www.greenproductsgallery.com (06/29/2010)

By Mike Blonder

Use Shredded Paper in the Garden

Please be aware! Not all newspaper ink is soy based, especially colored inks. To keep heavy metals out of your garden avoid reusing the colored pages and where all else fails: ask your newspaper publisher what kind of ink is used. (07/23/2010)

By Becca J