When in a survivalist situation, you have to think of everything you need to sustain yourself. Most people focus on water, food and medical supplies, but there are other necessities of life that are helpful to know how to make. Toilet paper is a resource that you may have but you will eventually run out. Another reason to make your own paper is to be eco-friendly and to save trees – and it could also be a fun Boy or Girl Scout project.
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Things You'll Need
8 large sheets newspaper, 1/2-pound copy paper or non-glossy magazine pages
Bucket or tub
Water
Large pot
Leaves
Grass
Heating source (stovetop, open fire, propane burner)
Spoon or ladle
Baby oil
2 large bath towels
Rolling pin
Rubber mallet
Wooden board
Weights
Scissors
Step 1
Soak the paper in a bucket or a tub of water. This will help remove the ink from the paper. Remove the paper after the ink appears to be 75 percent gone.
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Step 2
Place the paper in a large pot with a couple of handfuls of leaves and grass. This will help the paper fibers remain together. Fill the pot with water so the paper is covered completely. Place the paper on a heating element and let simmer for one hour. Do not boil at first so the dry materials may absorb the water.
Step 3
Raise the temperature on the heating element and bring the water to a boil. Let the pot boil for 30 minutes. Add more water, if necessary. Remove any foam with a spoon or ladle. The paper will turn into a pulp during this process.
Step 4
Remove from the heating element. Pour or ladle out as much water as possible without disturbing the pulp. Wait for the water and pulp to cool before removing the rest of the water. Do not let the pulp dry. Place the pulp back into the pot after all of the water has been removed.
Step 5
Add 4 tablespoons of baby oil to the pulp. Mix with a spoon. This will prevent the paper from hardening.
Step 6
Spread a towel onto a flat surface. Scoop out the pulp and place it onto the towel. Press the pulp with a rolling pin to flatten and spread the pulp into a thin layer. Use a rubber mallet to gently hammer any lumps.
Step 7
Place a second towel on top of the pulp. Place a board on top of the towel. Set heavy objects on top of the board to weigh it down. This will squeeze out any excess water. Leave the weights on top of the pulp for 30 minutes.
Step 8
Remove the weights and the board. Flip the towels upside down and remove the bottom towel that is now on top. Place the other towel with the layer of paper on it out in the sun to dry.
Step 9
Peel the dried paper from the towel and cut into strips.