Turn Newspapers into Logs for Winter Fires

We recycle.  Bottles, cans, paper, plastics, glass, newspapers, I even toss eggshells and coffee grounds into the garden.  It has made a difference. We have been amazed at how much we've lessened our trash output around here, and like to think that we're doing something positive for the environment at the same time.

When fall hits (it's October!), things change a bit.  No longer do I toss newspapers into the recycling bin, but through the use of this wonderful little newspaper rolling tool, I turn them into logs for the fireplace.  If you've ever struggled to get a fire going in your wood burning fireplace or wood stove (we have both), this will end that.  These newspaper logs make great fire starters.  Stack them up with the logs and you'll get a wonderful blaze going with just one strike of the match.  It's a great family project -- kids will beg you to try their hand at it -- with a most practical outcome. One caveat: Use only newspaper pages.  Any shiny pictures, flyers, or magazines can release toxins into the air when burned (this is also a good practice for those of you who simply crumble newspapers under the grate to start a fire).

It's very easy to use.  Fold the top of the newspaper over about 3/4" when you slip it into the rod, this gives it more of a grip so it's less likely to come out when you're rolling up your newspaper log.  Roll it up slowly and tightly to the size you desire.  I generally make a variety of sizes so I'll have what I need for any size fire.  Once you achieve the desired size, tie it up and then slip your newspaper log off of the rod.  I keep mine in a terra cotta garden pot on the hearth.

My log roller was a gift from a friend, but you can also find them on Amazon.

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Flashback Friday

Feed the Birds - A Recipe for Wild Bird Suet

This Northern Flicker absolutely delighted us with his appearance at the suet feeder.

Today's post is for the birds.  Literally.  Instead of offering up a recipe to feed you and your family, here is one to help our feathered friends have an easier time surviving winter.  When the weather turns cold and insects that are there for the taking during the summer are no longer available, the birds often struggle to find enough food.  Supplementing their diet with suet will make them happy, healthy, and keep them warm during the winter months.

As snowflakes begin to fall, a Carolina Wren surveys the scene.

Buying commercial suet cakes is a fine idea, but if you want to experiment on your own, here is a fairly basic, easy recipe that the birds will love.  This is also a great, hands-on project for the kids, and a way to teach them about nature and the importance of their part in helping to sustain it.

FRUIT & NUT SUET

8 ounces lard

1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

3 pieces sandwich bread, crumbled

1/4 cup flour

1/4 cup cornmeal

1/8 cup sugar

1/2 cup chopped apple

1/2 cup assorted fruits (raisins, craisins, dried cherries, dried berries, etc.)

1/2 cup assorted seeds

Melt lard with peanut butter in a large pan over low heat.  When melted together, remove from heat and stir in flour, cornmeal, and sugar.  Add apple, fruits, bread and seeds.  Add more crumbled bread if the mixture is too liquid.  You want to get the mixture to the point where the bread is absorbing all of the liquid and it becomes thick.  Scoop the homemade wild bird suet into a large loaf pan.  Refrigerate overnight.  Slice as needed to place in your suet feeder while keeping the remaining suet refrigerated.

If you already use commercial suet, save the plastic container that it comes in and use this as a mold.  It works perfectly and will fit quite nicely into your feeder.  The birds will love you, and put on an active and colorful show all winter.  This minimal amount of effort will reward you all season long.

This mixture attracts the following birds:

Downy woodpecker

Tufted titmouse

White-breasted nuthatch

Black-capped chickadee

Carolina wren

Cardinal

Bluebird

and, much to our delight, the Northern Flicker

The very persistent Northern Flicker.

Feathers left behind.

For more information on birds, I recommend this excellent field guide.

This is linked to Hearth and Soul blog hop and Good Life Wednesdays.