I’m always looking for new ways of of using common household materials in a survival situation. The other day I came across how you can take old newspapers and turn them into logs that can be used for fuel similar to any other log.
How to Make Logs from Newspaper
Step 1: Soak the Newspaper
| The first thing you need to do is soak the newspaper it a sink or bucket. It helps to separate the newspapers into its smaller sections. |  |
Step 2: Drain and Lay Out the Paper
| After completely saturating the paper (usually by soaking for at least an hour) pull the paper from the water, let it drain completely and then lay it out into sections of 1-3 sheets — staggered much like fallen dominoes. |  |
Step 3: Roll the Wet Newspaper Around a Dowel
| Then take a dowel and roll the wet paper around it squeezing the paper as it’s rolled to ensure that it sticks together. |  |
Step 4: Continue Rolling Until Desired Thickness is Acheived
| Continue with the above step until you’ve rolled the newspaper log into your desired thickness. |  |
Step 5: Thoroughly Dry your New Newspaper Log
| Slide off the paper log and let it dry for a few days (a lot quicker if you place it on a woodstove, outside in the sun or in front of the heating vents. Basically anywhere where the moisture will come off quicker. |  |
Lighting Your Newspaper Firewood
If you’ve made these correctly, they should be pretty dense. Because of this, you cannot simply take your bic and light them up like you would newspaper. Treat them just like any other wood log in that they require smaller sticks or kindling to light. And just like wood logs, you’ll need a good bed of coals or at least a pair of logs to maintain the burn.
These paper “logs” will also produce more ash than traditional logs. Just be sure they are completely dry before burning and you’ll be able surprised at the heat output that your old newspaper can give off.
- Posted in Self-Reliance, Urban Survival
