How to Recycle Paper
We are facing many environmental problems today, and it’s about time we take part in preserving the environment. One way to do this is by recycling paper. Paper makes up most of our environmental wastes. Recycling it doesn’t only lessen our trash, but also helps saves trees. Here are some simple steps you can follow in recycling paper.
Things you’ll need:
a basin of water
used paper or newspapers
starch
frame
screen
plastic sheets
tacks
mortar & pestle or blender
shredder
Steps:
Make paper pulp.
Cut the paper into smaller pieces. Using a shredder may help get things done faster.
recycle paper
Use a mortar and pestle to crush the paper in water. You may opt to use a blender for better consistency. Fill about a third of the blender with pieces of paper and add water until blender is full. Blend for about 5 seconds. This mixture is called paper slurry.
Pour the slurry in a basin or tub. Add starch and mix well.
Make a mould.
Use tacks to secure the screen on the frame. Make sure the screen is as big as the frame.
Cut the plastic screen to fit the inside the frame.
Dip the mould in the basin with the screen at the bottom of the frame.
Lift the screen slowly.
Make sure the paper is evenly distributed on the frame.
Let the water drain.
Put the plastic sheet on top.
Squeeze the water out by pressing on the plastic sheet carefully. If you don’t like to use a plastic sheet, you may use a sponge to remove the water.
Turn the frame over.
Lay down the material on a flat surface.
Remove the frame carefully.
Wait for the paper to dry. You may also use a hairdryer for faster results.
Tips:
If you want to make colored paper, you may also try to use pages from the magazine or add some coloring in the mixture.
You may also use a wire for the mould. Form it to whatever shape you like and place a pantyhose over it. This will drain the water and shape your paper as much as a wooden frame and a screen.
Try a bit of resourcefulness and add a few elements on your paper. Put some dried flowers or stalks in the mixture and blend it together with the pulp. You may also put it on the paper while it’s still wet. Make sure the material you’re going to use is paper thin so it won’t create bumps on your paper.
Recycling paper is an easy and fun way of promoting environmental awareness. Be an environment advocate and teach others how to recycle paper.