A lot of preppers know about the typical newspaper uses, such as for reading or for making papier-mâché crafts…but what about for emergency situations?

One of the best survival resources is hand-delivered to your doorstep every single morning; however, most preppers don’t even think twice about this “survival tool in disguise.”

Most people say newspapers are going out of style, and that they’re fading into the background because of the internet.

That may be the case, but that gives me all the more reason to keep the newspapers I’ve got left, put them in my bug out bag, and store them for future crises. And it’s all because of these…

8+ Newspaper Uses For Emergency Situations

1 – Make Your Own Dinnerware

If you’re an origami master, you’ll be able to fold and crease newspaper into a makeshift plate/bowl come dinnertime.

But, if you’re not an origami master and still want your dinnerware to last a long time, there’s an easier way (especially if you have a couple days of time to devote to it).

First tear the newspaper into large segments (about half a page). Lay these pieces inside a colander so they line the inside of the bowl. Make sure to cover the rim as well (you’ll need to pinch along the sides to make sure it forms with the shape of the colander).

Do this until you have a few layers in the colander (so it’s thick). Then place the colander in your sink, and let the faucet drench the paper. Keep the shape of the bowl by continually pounding the bottom, pressing against the sides, and pinching the edges.

Now add even more segments of dry newspaper, and repeat the process of wetting it down and and pressing it to the previous layer. This way the newspaper will begin to stick/form together.

Leave the paper in the colander for a couple days to let it dry completely. Once it’s dried, you’ll be able to take out the paper, and you’ll have a hard, durable bowl to use for eating your survival food.

2 – Stay Dry While You Sleep

Sleeping bags can be uncomfortable to sleep in when you’re laying on wet grass/dirt. However, you can easily keep yourself warm and dry with the help of newspaper.

Simply lay sheets of newspaper onto the ground, and then lay your sleeping bag on top of the paper. Be sure to use a thick amount if the grass is heavy with dew, or if there’s snow on the ground.

3 – Keep Your Body Warm

If it’s freezing outside and you’ve put on your last jacket, you could be in danger of hypothermia if you don’t add extra insulation. Luckily, newspaper is here to save the day. Stuff your shirts, pants and jackets with the paper (or line the inside and tape it in); this will help you retain body heat.

Note: Did you know this is actually a tip homeless people use to survive on the streets? You can learn about the other ways they survive (and how you can too if you find yourself in the same situation) in our blog here.

4 – Dry The Insides Of  Your Boots

Cold, wet feet in a survival situation is basically an invitation for hypothermia; therefore, it is crucial you keep your feet dry at all times. Dry out your wet shoes/boots by stuffing them with crumpled newspaper and leaving them overnight. The newspaper will absorb the water, leaving your shoes dry and good to go.

5 – Eat Your Produce Faster

Produce like avocados, bananas, and tomatoes can take their time to ripen if you buy/pick them too early. And, if you’re in an SHTF situation, you really don’t have time to wait for those foods to get to their peak.

Thankfully, newspaper can speed up the process. Wrap your fruits and veggies in a couple sheets of newspaper, leaving the ends open for ventilation. This will increase the speed at which your produce ripens, and the access to air will help prevent the foods from rotting.

6 – Stop A Bullet

A lot of preppers think newspaper (and paper in general) is pretty flimsy; however, what they don’t know is, when you get a good amount stacked together (like a phone book, for instance), it can be strong enough to stop a bullet!

Layering thick amounts of newspaper inside your walls or against vulnerable areas (such as windows) can help bullet-proof your house.

Now I got interested in just how much paper it would take to stop a bullet from point-blank range…and I got some pretty interesting (and entertaining results). Here’s a video of a couple guys who had the exact same thinking…and actually made an experiment out of it. Take a look.

7 – Make A Deadly Weapon

I love tutorials on how to make DIY weapons; that’s because once SHTF I want to be able to use the ordinary resources around me that most people have discarded in order to one-up my enemies if they attack.

Here are some particularly cool ways you can make a “Prison Spear” out of newspaper (top video), as well as a deadly Millwall Brick (bottom video). Check it out:

8 – Create Your Own Gardening Space

The use of a survival garden is essential for survival; however, it can be tough to do when the soil near your home isn’t fertile. However, newspaper can help with that.

First, lay four sheets of newspaper on the grass/soil and cover them with 4-5 inches of bark mulch and shredded leaves. Take a hose or bucket of water, and douse the paper and mulch/leaves until it’s completely soaked.

Once Spring rolls around, these doused materials will have covered the ground, giving you a prime space to start your own mini garden.

Before you begin planting, make sure to dig your new compost into the ground, churning it with the old soil and disposing of any rocks you come across. Smooth the top of the soil, and presto – you can now plant your survival seeds in a thriving soil.

Now I know newspaper has WAY more uses than the ones I just listed – and I want you to be as prepared as possible for what’s ahead. That’s why I’ve included this video of WAY more ways you can use ordinary newspaper in a survival situation. Check it out!

Out of all the survival uses listed in this blog, one of the most important to me is that of the “DIY Gardening Space.” I’m so passionate about this because this is the one that’s likely going to save you once disaster strikes.

Now a good majority of people out there aren’t prepared for an SHTF event, and a lot of them don’t even think one is coming. These are the people that just follow the crowd, and go about their daily lives oblivious to any upcoming dangers  (I like to call these people “Sheeple”).

However, once a major crisis occurs you can bet these “sheeple” will be the ones gathering all the food off the grocery store shelves, cleaning them off completely and hoarding the food for themselves.

Not only does this not leave any food for you and me, but in the big picture it isn’t the smartest move to depend on these grocery store products for sustenance because they’re going to run out relatively quickly.

However, if you have a survival garden, life becomes much easier in a crisis. You’re able to grow your own fruits, veggies, and herbs right in your own backyard or bug out location, and can continually harvest these again and again to sustain you.

Plus, with the help of newspaper (like in the survival use listed in #8) you’ll be able to make/plant your own survival garden no matter what kind of soil you’ve got. And that feeling of being self-sustained, my friends, is one of the best feelings in the world.

That’s why Survival Frog carries our Preparedness Seeds. These survival seeds contain a huge variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables in order to keep you sustained for years to come. Best yet, these are Non-GMO, Non-Hybrid seeds, making them safe to eat and suitable to plant again and again.

There’s nothing better than being able to feed yourself and your family in a crisis – especially when the “sheeple’s” grocery store supply is dwindling away.

Grab these survival seeds for yourself by clicking on the links below and get prepared to start growing your own survival food now. It’ll be one of the best decisions you ever make for your and your family’s survival in an upcoming emergency.