DIY Fire Starters

Creating DIY fire starters is a fun and sustainable way to make lighting fires a breeze during camping or cozy evenings by the fireplace. You can recycle cardboard egg cartons by filling each pocket with dryer lint or shredded paper and then pouring wax over them to solidify. These homemade fire starters ignite easily and burn for a decent amount of time, making them great for starting fires in wood stoves or fire pits. Not only are they cost-effective, but they also reduce waste and give you a sense of accomplishment knowing you've repurposed items that would have otherwise been thrown away. Get creative with different materials and scents to personalize your fire starters and make your fire-lighting experience even more enjoyable!

You’ll need:

• String
• Newspaper or wrapping paper
• Herbs (rosemary or lavender are my faves)
• Greenery (from your Christmas tree, leftover garland, or wreaths)
• Essential oils such as cedar wood, rosemary or lavender (optional, for a stronger scent)

Step 1: Cover your workspace (some of the greenery might have sap). Break apart your greenery. If there are large stems, I would recommend separating the leaves from the stem so that everything can dry out faster. Add herbs.

Step 2: Add crinkled paper to create some air flow. You do not want these tightly rolled, you want them to burn! Add essential oils.

Step 3: Loosely roll the bunch into a cylinder shape and use string to tie the ends closed, like a candy wrapper.

Step 4: Place your DIY fire starter with kindling when starting a fire. Enjoy all the good aromas!

You’re done!