Projects to work on

The term recycling refers to the collection and re-using of waste products. Increased use of the world's resources has resulted in a concern...

The term recycling refers to the collection and re-using of waste products. Increased use of the world’s resources has resulted in a concern for the future supply of these resources. Re-using waste materials is generally a more efficient use of energy. Recycling makes materials cheaper as well as helps resources last longer. Paper being one of the most crucial natural products, for which tons of wood are cut, makes its recycling imperative.

What you need

A piece of rectangular wire or nylon mesh, two wooden frames, old newspaper, a large bowl, a bucket, water, an old rolling pin, a wooden spoon or potato masher.

What to do

Tear up the newspaper into small pieces and soak these in a bucket of water overnight. The next day, drain the water and mash up the newspaper into a pulp. Pour some more water over the newspaper pulp and mash it again. Place the wire or the nylon mesh on one of the wooden frames and secure it with staples or nails. Then attach the second wooden frame so that the meshlies between two frames. Spread out the pulp evenly over the mesh. Excess water will drain. The pulp should be then tipped carefully onto a clean surface and rolled out with a rolling pin and left to dry.

Story continues below this ad

The paper can be coloured if required by using natural dyes made by boiling, then straining of liquid from fruits such as black berries and blackcurrants. These coloured dyes should be added to the newspaper pulp before pouring it on to the mesh.

The paper finally made will be a coarse paper which can be used for packing and other purposes but be proud of your recycled paper. You can further extend your knowledge on paper-making by finding out how paper is recycled commercially. Refer to books and find out how paper was made in ancient times eg Papyrus in Ancient Egypt.