From Trash to Torch: Upcycled Fire Starters

There’s nothing worse than trying to get a fire going when everything’s damp—and you’re craving s’mores! But with a trusty fire starter, turning a spark into a roaring blaze becomes almost foolproof. Even better? You can save money, and help the Earth, by whipping up your own fire starters with stuff you'd otherwise toss.

1. Cotton Balls Dipped in Vaseline

Cotton balls and Vaseline might be the unsung heroes of the fire-starting world. Rub a generous amount of Vaseline onto a cotton ball, wrap it in some newspaper or a paper towel (so your hands don’t get greasy), and store it in a lidded container. Light the paper or newspaper, and you’ll get a good, slow burn that is perfect for wet conditions. Just remember to keep these in a waterproof container.

2. Egg Cartons & Wax

Have some egg cartons lying around? Don’t toss them! Fill each egg cup with dryer lint, sawdust, used (but dry) paper towels, or old cotton balls. Then, here’s where the magic happens—melt down some wax. If you’re a fan of scented wax warmers, those wax melts that’ve lost their scent are perfect! Pour the melted wax over your filling, let it harden, and boom—you’ve just made 12 fire starters. Plus, using those wax melts gives you bonus points for sustainability!

3. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls & Wax

This same technique works well with toilet paper or paper towel rolls. Once all the paper is gone, save up the rolls and tuck dryer lint or used paper towels inside after using them to soak up melted wax.

4. Wax-Dipped Pinecones

For a fire starter with flair, dip some dried pinecones in melted wax. Not only do they look pretty, but they’ll also help get that fire roaring. You can use regular candle wax or, once again, those used-up wax melts. Added perk: your fire will smell amazing if you’re using something like vanilla, cinnamon, or lavender-scented wax!

5. Tea Bags in Wax

Don’t trash those used tea bags just yet! Dry them out, give them a quick dip in melted wax, and let them cool. They’re tiny, lightweight, and can be tucked into even the smallest camping gear pocket. Plus, they're another great way to reuse something you’d normally toss.

6. Wax-Dipped Jute String

Jute string is natural, biodegradable, and perfect for fire-starting duty when coated in wax. Dip lengths of jute into melted wax, let them dry, and you’ve got easy-to-light coils ready to go when you need them. The string makes it easy to weave in and out of kindling to get nice, even lighting. Store them in an old mint tin for a tidy little fire starter kit! (These make really cute gifts if you decorate the tin! Tuck in a matchbook and a little gift note.)

7. Muffin Tin Fire Starters

No egg cartons on hand? No worries—muffin tins lined with parchment paper will do the trick! Fill each cup with sawdust, dryer lint, or cotton balls, then pour melted wax over the top. Once hardened, pop out your fire starters and toss them in with your camping gear. They’re like homemade fire cupcakes… just, you know, not edible.

Bonus Tip: Grab a few lidded containers, such as large yogurt containers, coffee tins, or large jars, from your recycling bin. Keep them in a kitchen cabinet to store your materials (dryer lint, used paper towels, etc) and completed fire starters. Once the fire starter container is full, store it with your camping gear (just be sure the temperatures stay relatively cool where it is stored). Switch out the containers as they empty, and you'll always be able to start a fire quickly, saving more time for perfecting your s'mores.

Remember, while these DIY fire starters will get your fire going in no time, fire safety should always be your number one priority. Keep an eye on your flames, follow local burn regulations, and always fully extinguish your fire before leaving a fire unattended.

Now, make your next adventure sustainable, one spark at a time!