Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Creative Uses for Leftover Coffee Grounds

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Creative Uses for Leftover Coffee Grounds

Coffee Grounds? Yes, Coffee Grounds.

According to a report, about 2.01 billion tons of municipal solid waste is generated globally each year. That’s huge for our Earth. Right?

So in your quest to reduce waste, you can start transforming everyday items into unique creations. From rocket ships crafted out of empty detergent bottles for your child to converting your yoghurt pots into miniature planters that will house those lovely plants you bought recently. I also think It’s time to get more inventive, especially with those coffee grounds you’re left with after your daily brew. 

Here are some creative ways to go green with your coffee grounds throughout your home. Going green is saving the Earth.

In the Living Room

Coffee doesn’t have to be confined to the kitchen; it can make its way into your living space. If you have a wood table with surface scratches, coffee grounds can be used to blend them in with the rest of the wood grain. Test a small area first, then gently dab the grounds using a cotton bud to enjoy a beautifully upcycled appearance.

Coffee grounds can also contribute to another kind of glow in your living room. Bio-bean has found a way to repurpose leftover grounds into fuel logs, allowing you to enjoy a cosy fire while sparing a tree’s life. Who would have thought that coffee grounds could play a role in sustainable heating?

In the Kitchen

Sometimes or most times your kitchen is a place of coffee grounds, and there’s more to do here than just brewing a cup. After enjoying your coffee, use the leftover grounds to take care of other things in the kitchen. They can be turned into a delectable biscotti or serve as a flavorful steak rub. Beyond cooking, coffee grounds can also be a saviour in the kitchen. Do you love garlic but despise the lingering odour on your hands? Worry not! Gently scrub your hands with cooled coffee grounds to eliminate the smell. It works. I love garlic and I have been using grounds. 

You can also use coffee grounds to banish unwanted odours in the refrigerator. Place an open bowl of grounds in your fridge, and let the aroma of coffee neutralize residual odours, leaving your refrigerator smelling fresh and clean.

In the Garden

The one downside of coffee is dealing with those gritty grounds that can make a mess in your kitchen bin and clog your drains. However, there’s a better way to handle them. Instead of tossing them in the trash, consider saving coffee grounds for your worm bin. Surprisingly, worms love to feast on them, just be cautious not to overfeed them as coffee grounds can be slightly acidic.

There’s a common misconception that coffee grounds can be directly added to your garden as they’re rich in nitrogen, which is beneficial for plants. Nevertheless, coffee grounds are also rich in caffeine, and caffeine exhibits allelopathy, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, and essentially eliminating competition.

Bonus one

Coffee Grounds Mask

Combine two tablespoons of used coffee grounds with an equal amount of organic cocoa powder.

Mix in three tablespoons of whole milk or heavy cream.

Add a tablespoon of honey and apply the mixture to your face.

Leave it on for ten minutes, then rinse with warm water.

Coffee Grounds Scrub

Simply add coffee grounds to your regular face mask for a unique exfoliating sensation.

A helpful tip: place a coffee filter over your drain to prevent clogs when using these mixtures.

Our new café will be opening soon. Keep brewing Tigray Coffee