How People are using Paper Shreds to Recycle

I was reading an article today that sparked me to write this blog entry. (So after you read my article jump on over to “Creative Uses for Paper Shreds.”)You may be surprise at all the different ways people uses the paper shredder. Sure the majority of people use paper shredders just for the security reasons; but others take the shreds and turn it into something beautiful. If we can recycle, why don’t we? Sometimes recycling is far more beautiful than the original form.

So what are a few of the things, we can do with the shreds from a paper shredder?

• Recycle. The easiest way to recycle paper shreds is to take it to your local recyclable company.
• Compost. Adding brown materials or paper to compost piles will help worms break down the compost pile. Use the compost in your garden for lush produce.
• Paper Mache. If you want to build paper sculptures try using shredded paper, it’s easier to work with.
• Packing gift bags and baskets. Shredded paper adds that extra zest to gifts. Paper shreds/tissue shreds look great in gift baskets. If it is Easter time, use green construction paper and shred it for “grass” for your Easter baskets.
• Paper dolls. Paper shreds are great to stuff your paper dolls or to make “hair” with.
• Shipping. Paper shreds are great for packing in boxes for protecting your items.
• Cat or Ferret Litter. Shreds are great for bedding and litter for your pets.
• Make new paper. You can really have some fun by making new paper. Use a variety of different color shreds, mix with some seeds or flower petals and you can have some really beautiful paper.

If you are a craftster, I recommend experimenting with different types of shredders.  Their cuts can make a variety of interesting pieces to work with. For security you should use a crosscut paper shredder, but if you are only using it for the shreds, try an inexpensive strip cut shredder. Strip cut shredder paper shreds are great for making imitation grass for craft projects.

What makes Crosscut Shredding better than Strip Cut?

For years the only shredder most people were able to buy was the strip cut paper shredder. Now cross-cut paper shredders are all the rage.  So why is that?  Security is the reason why.

What makes crosscut or confetti machines more secure than the traditional strip cut?
The way it cuts the pieces into shreds. Strip cut paper shredders shred only one way. Crosscut shreds in both directions thus making a smaller shred; which greatly increases security.

What about cost? Strip cut shredders have always been cheaper than crosscut shredders; but things are changing. With technological advances, the price of crosscut has substantially decreased, now making it possible for every house and office to have one. In fact, they are quickly becoming office staples because of the rise in identity theft.

What about features? You can now find new features on most shredders. Some are guaranteed not to jam, while others have advanced safety features making it safer for the home office with kids and pets. Some also auto-oil which is great for those of us who forgets to routinely oil their paper shredders.

Time To Learn About Crosscut Paper Shredders

So you are researching cross-cut paper shredders? You have spent the day looking for a good shredder and still looking around for more information. I salute you. Some people buy out of impulse but apparently you research before you buy. You are a smart cookie.

So what is there to know about cross-cut paper shredders? A lot, because the paper shredders today are not the shredders from yesterday. Shredding machines were limited to strip cut shredding, but now some come with more blades and will shred in both directions, thus providing smaller shreds. Shredders today, provide better document security. They are more secure than what they used to be and they are cheaper. Not to mention there are a lot more features now.

Beside the type of cut, the paper shredder makes, there are other features you should keep your eyes out for. You can find shredding machines that will be perfect for the rare user to one that will handle several people using it practically nonstop.

Shredders also devour more than just paper. They can devour cds/dvds/paperclips and staples all without jamming. For those of you prone to paper jams, some offer a guaranteed jam-proof experience by sensing the amount of paper being feed to it. If it is too much paper, it will shut off, so it doesn’t jam.

These are just a few tips to help you, the next time you go shopping for a document shredding machine.