[greenyes] paper composting, glossy paper recycling

[EcoWaters@no.address]

At the risk of being simplistic or perhaps just simple: I've gradually gotten 
into composted paper, starting with tissues, paper towels (which I no longer 
use---it takes a month of living without to break this habit and to put my old 
bandanas to use), and significant paper (ripping up cards from loved ones and 
putting them in the compost pile feels more tender than putting them in the 
recycle bin). I put them in a half-gallon compost pail with bits of rinse water 
from dishes, etc., to soften it up. (I also use urine, which needs a carbon 
source to bind up its nitrogen.) Every few days, I dump this in the compost 
bin. Soaking the paper makes all the difference and avoids the use of a shredder 
(mine is out of commission). 

I've been using the glossy advertisers as packaging for our books, wrapping 
them in glossy, which transfers less ink to the book than newsprint, and 
inserting them in manila envelopes. This is less expensive than using padded 
envelopes. 

Another list I'm on showed a method for rolling fire-starter logs out of 
waste paper. 

Carol Steinfeld
http://www.liquidgoldbook.com

In a message dated 12/25/04 4:14:17 PM, greenyes-digest-help@no.address writes:
> Date: Sat, 25 Dec 2004 18:11:18 -0600
> To: <greenyes@no.address>
> From: "Bradley Abbott" <bradwabbott@no.address>
> Subject: Junk Mail Paper Composting
> 
> I like the idea of composting paper but I have never actually done it.  I
> have seen information, particularly related to vermiculi composting, that
> advises against composting any painted or glossy paper due to toxins.  Since
> a good amount of junk mail and magazines are either glossy, ink-laden, or
> both, I feel like I am missing an opportunity.  I would love to use the
> glossy and inked paper for something.  Is there any way to treat this paper
> to remove the gloss and/or ink toxins?  Alternatively, is there anything
> else I can do with the ink/glossy papers besides composting and standard
> recycling?  I would love to shred this stuff and use it in my garden or in
> other household applications.  Any ideas, information, or resources is much
> appreciated!
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Brad
>