Two ways we recycle corrugated boxes

in #homesteading7 years ago

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Have you ever considered alternative uses for corrugated boxes on the homestead instead of throwing it away? We get countless boxes from things being delivered and they always seemed like a chore to get rid of. Here are two ways we solved the problem of disposing of those corrugated boxes.

Corrugated boxes cut into small pieces make great fire starter. I usually cut the small boxes into strips for kindling.

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The larger boxes are flattened and saved for when we prepare our garden for spring. We add mulch, manure, and anything else that will be beneficial to the garden. Then a layer of boxes is added as a weed barrier. The boxes are covered with straw or wood chips. Mycelium will grow under the cardboard and as the straw or wood chips decompose we are left with good rich soil. Even if the cardboard is not fully decomposed by spring, you can plant right through the corrugated box.

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Cheers and thanks for your up-vote, Tim and Joann

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Extremely useful in the garden. If only more people would take the time to learn alternative ways of recycling. Great post tim and Joann.

We use boxes in the same manner! Fire starter and in the garden! Waste not, want not!

Great! We also use them to build our gardens. They are invaluable!!!

I had never thought about the garden. I use to save all the newspapers, (not the slick magazines) for the same reason, but not I don't use them. I get TONS of boxes all the time. I'll start saving now so there will be enough when I start planting! Thanks for letting us know!

I used some cardboard boxed last year and it did a nice job keeping the weeds at bay. I did have to cut a couple of holes in it for the plants but was fine with me as it still worked well!

I upcycle my boxes thanks to the tips by Marie Kondo http://tidyingup.com/ (I recommend everyone to read her book!) . I use small and medium sized boxes in my closet to store socks, underwear, leggings... small boxes inside cabinets to store miscellaneous items. Works really well :)