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Sawdust may seem like nothing more than leftover waste from woodworking, but in reality, it has a variety of practical and environmentally friendly uses that go far beyond the workshop.
Rather than sweeping it up and throwing it out, sawdust can be repurposed in many creative and useful ways, especially in survival situations. From helping with fire-starting to insulating, sawdust is a resource that can make life easier when you need to stretch what you have.
Here are some clever survival uses for sawdust that can benefit your home and daily life.
Fire Starter
Struggling to get a fire going in your fireplace or outdoor firepit? Sawdust can be a great fire starter. Its fine particles work as fuel, making it easier to ignite and keep the fire burning steadily.
Plant Fertilizer
Sawdust can be an excellent resource for your garden or potted plants, serving as a slow-release fertilizer that boosts soil health over time. By adding sawdust, you can improve the organic matter content in the soil, which enhances its ability to retain moisture and nutrients, making them more accessible to your plants.
Absorb Spills
Got an accidental oil or grease spill? Sawdust is an excellent absorbent. Simply sprinkle a layer over the spill, let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the liquid, and then sweep or vacuum it up. It’s an easy and efficient way to handle messy spills.
Get Vehicle Unstuck
Sawdust can be a surprisingly effective solution when your vehicle gets stuck in snow or mud. Thanks to its ability to improve traction, sawdust may provide just enough grip to help your tires catch and give you the boost you need to break free from a tricky situation.
Just keep a sack of sawdust in your vehicle, especially during winter or if you often travel through muddy or uneven terrain.
Build a Compost
Add sawdust to your compost pile to enhance the composting process. Being rich in carbon, sawdust helps balance the nitrogen levels found in kitchen scraps and yard waste. Its fine texture also promotes airflow, speeding up decomposition and preventing odors. Just be sure to mix it in with other compostable materials to keep everything balanced.
Store Root Vegetables with Sawdust
Sawdust can be highly effective at preserving root vegetables over the long term, making it valuable when extending your harvest’s shelf life. Vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets can be stored in sawdust, which helps maintain the right moisture level and keeps them fresh for months without refrigeration.
To do this, start by placing a layer of sawdust at the bottom of a wooden crate or sturdy cardboard box. Arrange the root vegetables in a single layer on top, making sure they don’t touch one another to prevent bruising or rot. Cover them with another layer of sawdust and repeat the process, alternating between vegetables and sawdust until the box is full.
Pet Bedding
Sawdust can make great bedding for your small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits. Its soft texture provides a cozy space for your furry friends to nest. Make sure the sawdust is clean and free of any chemicals or additives before using it as bedding.
DIY Wood Filler
Instead of buying wood filler, make your own by mixing sawdust with wood glue until it forms a thick paste. This homemade filler is great for filling cracks, gaps, or nail holes in your woodworking projects. Once it’s dry, sand it down, and you’ll have a seamless finish.
Anti-Slip Surface
If you’re dealing with icy sidewalks or slippery steps, sawdust can help improve traction. Sprinkle it over these areas to create a rough surface that reduces the risk of slipping. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to stay safe in slippery conditions.
Mulch
Give your garden pathways a rustic touch by using sawdust as mulch. Spread a layer along your garden paths to create a soft, natural walkway. Not only does it look great, but it also helps prevent weeds from sprouting up.
10 Cheap Mulch Ideas for a Lush Garden
Weed Control
Speaking of weeds, sawdust can be a handy natural weed suppressant. Sprinkle it around your garden beds, walkways, or driveways to keep unwanted plants from growing. It’s a simple and chemical-free way to keep your outdoor spaces tidy.
11 Weeds You Shouldn’t Pull From Your Garden
Kitty Litter Alternative
Make cleaning up after your pets easier by using sawdust as a waste absorbent. Sprinkle it over pet urine or waste in the litter box or outdoor area, and it will quickly soak up moisture and reduce odors. The best part? It can be composted along with other organic waste.
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