With over 70 million cups of coffee consumed in the United Kingdom every day, there are a lot of used coffee grounds that could be put to further use right in our own homes. With Recycle Week upon us, Considerate Hoteliers supplier member Cru Kafe decided to look at just a few of the simple ways in which we can all ensure our coffee grounds are not going to waste.
1) Pest Repellent
Did you know that your leftover grounds can be used to fend off destructive garden pests such as ants, snails and slugs? To protect your precious houseplants simply sprinkle some of the coffee grounds around them and leave them to grow in peace.
2) Fertilizer
If you grow any acidic soil loving plants (i.e hydrangeas, azaleas or roses to name but a few) then used coffee could be a great fertilizer! Before you add it to your plants be sure to mix your coffee grounds with grass clippings, brown leaves or grass straw. This will neutralize some of the acidity. While this type of fertilizer adds nitrogen and potassium to the soil, be aware that it does lack phosphorous and calcium which means it is not ideal for blooms and fruiting. To make a complete fertilizer with coffee grounds add in additional lime or wood ash.
3) Skin Exfoliator
If you prefer clean fingers over green fingers then a more skincare based might be the answer for those used coffee grounds. The course coffee grounds work well as an exfoliator when mixed with your favourite all natural oil (our first choice is coconut oil). Simply add the oil and then scrub away from head to toe as you would a normal exfoliator.
4) Fridge Deodoriser
Much like baking soda, used coffee grounds can be used to absorb any unwanted odours in your freezer or refrigerator. To begin using them all you have to do is pour your used coffee grounds into an open container and place them in the back of your fridge then simply leave them there for a few weeks as they absorb all the odours. Afterwards you can place these smelly grounds on a compost pile or use them as fertilizer.
5) Cleaner Fireplace
With Winter soon upon us this tip could come in really handy over the next few months. To prevent clouds of smoke forming while you clean out your dirty fireplace, use old coffee grounds to weigh down the ash. Gently scatter used coffee over the ash to make shovelling it up easier and less messy.
Go to the CRU Guide to Recycling Nespresso® Compatible Pods…
