We often delve into the origins of our organic coffee here at Moonshine, but our commitment doesn't stop once your Moonshine cuppa Joe is brewed.
While many toss their used coffee grounds into the general waste, assuming their impact is negligible due to coffee's biodegradability, there's more to the story. In landfill, these grounds release methane, a greenhouse gas 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide. If you're tossing your grounds into the compost bin, kudos! But for those seeking creative solutions, we've curated some favourite ways to repurpose these leftover grounds.
Nurture House Plants
House plants looking like they could use a little more love? Your coffee grounds are brimming with valuable nutrients and help to balance nitrogen levels in the soil, which brings a slight touch of acidity, leading to vibrant plant health. To reap the benefits, make a fertilising ‘tea’ with your leftover grounds, and use every 7-10 days.
Deter Pests Naturally
Certain compounds in coffee, like caffeine and diterpenes, are toxic to insects, making coffee grounds a natural insect repellent. Simply set out bowls of grounds or sprinkle them around outdoor seating areas to help deter mosquitos, fruit flies, beetles, and other unwanted visitors. You can also scatter grounds around your plant beds to discourage pests from making themselves at home.
Odour Neutralisation
Last night’s leftovers leaving their mark in your fridge? Coffee grounds can help absorb and eliminate odours too - simply pop a bowl of grounds in your fridge or freezer! That’s because of their nitrogen content, which helps eliminate sulphur gas from the air when it’s combined with carbon.
You can even use them to scrub your hands after chopping garlic or onions, as the grounds will help remove the smell from your hands.
Stinky gym kit laying around? Fashion an air freshener with your grounds in an old sock and place these in your shoes, gym bag, car boot, or anywhere else that may need some deodorising.
Restore Scratched Furniture
If you've got wooden furniture with scratches, coffee grounds might be your solution. Form a thick paste with used coffee grounds and water, then apply it to scratches using a cotton swab. Allow it to sit before wiping it off with a cotton rag. This technique can help conceal scratches by dyeing the exposed wood a dark-brown colour.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Scrub
Contrary to its colour, coffee grounds make a great natural cleaner for keeping your sink squeaky clean. Their abrasiveness helps eliminate buildup on challenging surfaces, while their antibacterial and antiviral properties offer sanitation. For chemical-free cleaning, use coffee grounds to scrub your sink, polish cookware, or clean your grill.
Tenderise Meat and Enhance Flavour
Grab the grill! The natural acids and enzymes in coffee make it a fantastic meat tenderiser. Incorporate used coffee grounds into your dry-rub recipe and apply it to meat a couple of hours before cooking. This will result in a flavourful, tenderised meat with a delicious dark, crispy crust.
Natural Exfoliant for Skin
You may have seen the Instagram ads circa 2016 plugging coffee based scrubs, but the truth is, you can make your own at home with just a few extra pantry items.Mix ½ a cup of coffee grounds with a couple of tablespoons of salt or sugar, then mix in two tablespoons of melted coconut oil for a homemade scrub in seconds. This natural scrub gently removes dead skin cells, promoting rejuvenation and improved circulation.
Incorporate these ingenious ways to repurpose your coffee grounds into your daily routine, and join us in making a positive impact on both your lifestyle and the environment. Your coffee journey doesn't have to end with your cup – it can continue to enrich your home, body and garden in many ways!
