Paper is often wasted. Maybe you use both sides of a sheet of paper, use the backs of envelopes for grocery lists or reuse newspaper to wrap gifts. All are good ways to waste less.

Many households put mail and paper through a shredder to protect against identity theft or to follow state and federal laws. So what do you do with the shredded paper besides curbside recycling? Here are a few suggestions:

♦Compost: Avoid glossy paper, but the rest can be mixed into your compost pile and used in your garden. Birds will use some for building their nests, too.

♦Pets: Use it as kitty litter (especially helpful after your kitty has any type of surgery). Visit www.thegreenists.com/tip-of-the-day/tip-of-the- day-make-your-own- kitty-litter/1044 for complete instructions. You can use shredded paper for hamster or guinea-pig bedding, nesting material for hens or in a whelping box for dogs. Use it to stuff a pillow to make a pet bed. Call your local pet-rescue center/humane society and see if they want any.

♦Kindling: Use some to help build your fire. You can add it to your fireplace loose, or stuff some shredded paper into a cardboard toilet-paper tube. Or make shredded newspaper logs. Visit www.ehow.com/ how_4896230_make- shredded-paper-fire- logs.html for instructions.

♦Gifts: Use it to line gift baskets, boxes and bags. And Easter grass is one of those materials that should go the way of the dodo.

♦Packaging: No need for bubble wrap or foam peanuts. Use it when packing and shipping packages or when moving or packing holiday decorations.

♦Crafts: Use it for papier-mache projects, or make your own handmade paper. Visit www.ecojoes.com/homemade-paper-ultimate-paper-recycling for a tutorial.

♦Plants: Use it to line planters or to store flower bulbs.