The very few journalists afflicted with self-importance used to be reminded that their wonderfully crafted stories ended up wrapped around fish and chips. In future yesterday's newspaper may have an even more undignified end, as bedding for dairy cows.
The Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Dan Wallace, and the chairman of the National Newspapers of Ireland (NNI), Mr Louis O'Neill, introduced a report yesterday entitled The Safety and Suitability of Shredded Newspapers as Bedding Material for Dairy Cows.
The report shows that using shredded newspapers is perfectly safe. Mr William Meaney, one of the authors of the report, which was compiled by Teagasc for the Department of the Environment and the NNI, said that while cows seem to prefer sawdust to newsprint when offered a choice, they had no problem with newsprint. He said that, unlike hay and straw, newsprint was available all year round.
For the newspaper industry, it offers a way to recycle paper, Mr O'Neill said.
The study shows that newspaper is a viable, cost-effective and safe alternative as an animal bedding, he added.
"In the absence of a newsprint mill in Ireland, it is difficult to implement a comprehensive recycling programme. However, NNI is very aware of its responsibilities towards the environment and is at all times anxious to create viable and sustainable markets for waste paper," Mr O'Neill said.
According to Mr Meaney, the cows which took part in the test showed no preference for any particular newspaper.