by Casper Reaves

Created on: March 07, 2010   Last Updated: March 09, 2010

Creative uses for old magazines

We all get a lot of print magazine and catalogs. Even with the rise of on-line editions, print version will be here for a long time. Gone are the days when people would hoard up year after year of National Geographic. Most magazines go into the trash. 

Most people would like to either delay or prevent more material from going into the recycling stream or into landfills. Here are a few ways to get a second use out of those magazines and catalogs. 

Find a second user who might be inspired. For example, I know a young student interested in attending my college alma mater. Instead of tossing out my alumni magazines, I give them to the student who is looking ahead. 

Know anyone who does scrapbooking? Scrapbook hobbyists are always looking for new photos to use as backing and accents. One scrapper I know creatively cut out the lilies from an art photograph to use a partial background for one scrapbook page. Magazines can also be used as a disposable cutting mat when using a knife for trimming.

Adjusting the height. Often around an office, you need to adjust the height of something, maybe a computer monitor or a video projector. Keep some old magazine handy when you need to lift something in quarter inch intervals.

Gardening and Auto work: Down on your knees doing yard work? Use magazines as kneeling pads to cushion your knees and prevent heavy mud and grass stains. Keep a few in your car in case you need to change a tire while you are in your business suit. 

Packing material. You can roll up magazines to provide padding in shipping boxes. If you need a few individual sheets, tear out the pages. They do not smear as much as newsprint.

Trivets around the kitchen: Need to put a hot pot or dish somewhere? Use an old magazine. You could even use a selected magazine as a decorative accent for an informal diner. A few copies of a cooking magazine might be appropriate, but what about sports magazines for a football evening? Or travel magazines for an international-themed dinner?

Craft supplies for young children. Give a young child a few crayons and an old magazine and they will be very happy. If they are old enough to safely use scissors, have them cut out their favorite picture.

Find a convenient place at home to store a few old magazines. As you find uses for them, you will be glad you saved them.

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