How to Make Junk Mail Logs

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Would you like to breather easier? Trees filter our air, trapping carbon dioxide and reducing the heat created by acres of asphalt in big cities. When we cut down trees to make paper, we are actually cutting away the lungs of our planet.Paper is used to make over 4 million pounds of junk mail per year. Even after as many as six years, junk mail is still readable when dug up from a landfill.Want to reduce your carbon footprint and get rid of junk mail at the same time? Don't throw it out. Here's how to make junk mail logs!

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

junk mail
newspaper
string
used dryer sheets
broken crayons and old candle stubs (optional)

Step1

Open a section of the newspaper and place it with the short side toward you. Newspapers are about 18 to 24 inches wide, which is a good length for a log.

Step2

Make a layer of junk mail covering the newspaper, not more than two inches thick. Begin at one of the short ends and roll the paper tightly until you have a log shape. Tie your log with string or strips of used dryer sheets wrapped around it several times.

Step3

Make logs until you run out of newspaper and junk mail. Store them until cool weather and use to heat your house or garage this winter. Using junk mail to make logs for your fireplace keeps all that paper out of the local landfill. Use the ashes from your burnt logs as fertilizer in your garden, or add them to your compost pile.

Step4

If desired, dip your junk mail logs in wax from used candles and broken crayons to make them easier to light. Be sure to line your hearth with foil or use a metal tray to catch your ashes if you use waxed logs, as the wax drippings may stain the hearth.

Tips & Warnings

You can also add dryer lint and used dryer sheets to your log, or tie your log with strips of used dryer sheet.
Dip your logs in melted wax from old candle stubs or broken crayons for quicker lighting.
Line your hearth with foil or use a metal tray to catch ashes, as the wax may stain your hearth.
Tie several together with a fancy ribbon, add a package of fireplace matches and place in a basket for an interesting Christmas gift.
Every year, 100,000 trees are used to make junk mail. A day's supply of junk mail could heat 250,000 homes.
Store paper logs in a covered container or you might find yourself hosting a rodent convention.
Avoid using plastic or coated paper in your logs, as these could make toxic fumes.
Be sure to have your chimney inspected and cleaned twice a year.
Clean out your hearth regularly to avoid buildup of flammable residue in your chimney.