The average American drinks over 3 cups of coffee a day, leading to a lot of used coffee grounds. Coffee is good for more than just waking you up in the morning. Most people throw grounds in the trash but before you throw them away, consider some of the things that can be done with used grounds. Take a look at this list and find the perfect recycling tips and tricks so you can enjoy your coffee again – even after you’ve finished sipping your morning cup of Joe!
Stop Stinks – A whiff of coffee in an unexpected place always puts a smile on my face. You can use coffee grounds to make your environment better. Instructable Living explains how to neutralize funky smells in your fridge, car, gym bag, or any other place that makes your nose wrinkle. You can make a coffee-scented air fresher by collecting dried coffee grounds into an old pair of pantyhose. Not only can coffee grounds get rid of the funk in your fridge – they can get rid of stubborn smells like garlic, onions, or fish from your hands. Just mix a few coffee grounds into your soap and scrub until your fingers no longer smell
Turn Your Plants Blue – According to Healthline, coffee grounds release nitrogen, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals that stimulate plant growth. Coffee grounds also repel insects that might damage those plants. You can sprinkle coffee grounds directly on the soil and turn your Hydrangea blue.
Coffee Slime – Slime is a huge hit, especially with older kids, namely middle school kids. While on the one hand they’re growing up and want to appreciate adult smells/flavors/tastes, like coffee they also have this incredible attraction to the gooey and gross. You can make coffee slime
Catch More Fish – Outdoorsy website Gone Outdoors recommends letting worms wriggle around in coffee grounds for a while before putting them on the hook. They cite “fishing experts,” that almost guarantee anglers will catch a fish if they use coffee-smelling worms as bait. There are even coffee-scented lures on the market.
Walk Safer – If you live in an area where snow and ice are likely to pile up, keep your used coffee grounds handy. Coffee grounds are “green” and don’t cause environmental harm compared to the traditional de-icer salt. Save those grounds and sprinkle them along walking areas this winter. The Farmers Almanac says you can use coffee grounds to melt ice. Java Presse explains that used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, a known ice-melter. More likely though coffee grounds increase friction and reduce your risk of slipping.
Related article
Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers, and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.