[SustainableTompkins] newsprint logs

[Joey Gates]

Thanks for the extensive answer Margaret.  In a
related question, I was talking to someone about the
toxicity potential of using newspapers and cardboard
as mulch in lasagna gardening.  Any thoughts/info?

--- Margaret McCasland <mmccasla at twcny.rr.com> wrote:

> Hi Pat and all,
> 
> I checked on the toxicity of burning newsprint a
> year ago or so; 
> there are some good Canadian websites on burning
> paper (and on using 
> woodstoves in general), plus NYS DEC had some info
> on burning paper 
> on their web site.  I'll try and retrieve the links
> and post them.
> 
> I do remember that burning newsprint was "OK,"
> especially since 
> soy-based inks are almost always used these days.
> Even the colored 
> inks aren't as bad as they used to be.  But any
> BLEACHED paper 
> (including "bright white" newsprint--the slightly
> thicker, 
> lighter-colored paper used for some ads, and white
> paper inserts 
> sometimes in newspapers) will release dioxins from
> the bleaching 
> process.  And home stoves burn paper at a lower
> temperature than 
> commercial incinerators, which releases far more
> dioxins.
> 
> The shininess on some inserts comes from clay, which
> shouldn't be 
> toxic, but I don't trust the thick layer of colored
> inks, so I don't 
> burn or compost inserts. I feel most comfortable
> burning ONLY the 
> slightly gray (regular) newsprint in a stove. I was
> assured the 
> colored comics are not a problem. I hope this is
> true, because there 
> are now colored inks on almost every page of the
> Ithaca Journal.
> 
> Brown kraft paper is not bleached, so it's probably
> OK to burn.  That 
> and regular newsprint are the only paper I put in my
> compost (lining 
> my compost bucket with a bit of recyclable paper
> makes it much easier 
> to empty).
> 
> Paper recycled without using bleach during the
> recycling process is 
> partially/mostly made from bleached paper (and will
> be until we ban 
> chlorine bleach from ALL papermaking), so I still
> don't burn or 
> compost recycled white paper because of the dioxins
> left from 
> chlorine bleach.
> 
> Of course any burning--even of "renewables"--has
> pluses and minuses. 
> One of the most important variables to reducing
> emissions is having a 
> good "draft" through a stove pipe with as few bends
> as possible 
> (preferably none).  You want to burn the paper at as
> high a temp as 
> possible. That's another reason your suggestion
> --only using paper as 
> part of the kindling process-- is a good one.
> 
> It looks like we're about to finally have late fall
> weather--enjoy your stoves.
> 
> Margaret
> 
> 
> PAT WROTE:
> Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:42:20 -0500
> From: "Patricia Haines" <ph24 at kaxy.com>
> Subject: [SustainableTompkins] newspaper logs?
> 
> I had a great time at America Recycles Day learning
> how to make 
> newspaper logs. Now that I've tested
> them myself, in my woodstove, I'm passing on some
> recipes for anyone 
> else to try.
> 
> They turn out to be great as a next-step from
> kindling, and they last 
> longer than simple newspaper
> rolls.  But they don't replace good, solid hardwood
> logs.
> 
> Before I get any more enthusiastic about this as a
> good recycling 
> project, can anyone tell me about
> emissions from burning newspaper logs? colored,
> non-shiny newspaper inserts?
> 
> Anyone else have experience with newspaper logs?
> 
> thanks - Patricia
> 
> 
> Level Green Institute
> - fostering social, economic and environmental
> sustainability through 
> collaborative initiatives in
> hospitality, education and the arts
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