#EarthDay: 4 ways to recycle used coffee grounds for around the house

Throwing out coffee grounds is a waste. Here are four ways you can recycle coffee grounds for everyday use.

Today  Earth Day – a day where the world can come together in support for environmental protection. Many of us have taken small steps to “go green”, whether it’s recycling rubbage, buying sustainable clothes or using eco-friendly products.

But did you know that you can reuse your coffee grounds? Used coffee grounds can be recycled for many uses, including helping your garden grow and reducing odours. Here are four ways you can utilise used coffee grounds for around the house:

In the garden

Pests often sneak into gardens and devour bits of plants, slowing down garden growth.

But these little critters hate coffee grounds. Just sprinkle some grounds around plants to keep slugs and snails away, and watch your garden thrive.

In the fridge

You’ve probably heard of using baking soda as a fridge deodorizer, but coffee grounds work just as well too.

Spread the coffee grounds on a baking sheet so they can dry. Then place the grounds in a small open container or bowl and keep them in the back of the fridge. They help absorb odours and keep your fridge smelling fresh and clean.

In the bath

Coffee grounds can be used to make a homemade body scrub. Just combine one cup of grounds, one cup of course sea salt and one cup of melted coconut oil. It removes dead skin cells and leaves a smooth surface, plus it smells like coffee. Yum!

You can also mix grounds with honey to create a DIY lip scrub.

In the kitchen

Hand scrubber, pan scourer and drain cleaner – coffee grounds are a triple threat in the kitchen.

1. After chopping onions or garlic, wet your hands and scrub with a small amount of coffee grounds, then rinse with cool water. It removes strong odours from skin and helps clean them thoroughly.
2. You can also add them to dirty pots or pans and use a sponge to clean hard-to-remove food. It is a great way to scour the dish without scratching the surface.
3. Grounds’ coarse texture and strong smell can help unclog your drain as well. Boil a cup of coffee grounds in hot water, then pour the mixture down the drain.