ZERO WASTE KITCHEN: What to do with coffee grounds

Coffee is one of the most beloved beverages worldwide. The preparation of the daily dose of coffee is a routine as well as a ritual for all coffee lovers. But what happens to the used coffee grounds? Most of the time, they just go straight into the garbage can, even though they could still be used. How? In this post we’ll show you 6 tips for making use of coffee grounds.

Coffee grounds have proven themselves as home remedies on many occasions – they are beauty products, flower fertilizers and cleaning agents at the same time, can strengthen your hair roots and improve your complexion. An amazing all-rounder!

Tip 1: Peeling from coffee grounds

Peeling from coffee grounds removes old dander, stimulates blood circulation, promotes cell renewal and is also very easy to prepare.

Mix 3 tablespoons of used coffee grounds with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and apply the mixture to your moistened face (or body) – wash it all away with warm water and voilà, you’re done! Your skin will feel wonderful.

Tip 2: Coffee for a radiant complexion

In addition to peeling, coffee grounds can also be used as face masks. For that, you only need half a cup of coffee grounds, half a cup of cocoa powder and a cup of whole milk (or a plant-based alternative of your choice). To keep the moisture, you can add a tablespoon of honey. Then simply apply the mixture to your cleaned face and wash it off with warm water after 15 minutes. Easy, right?

Tip 3: Coffee grounds for voluminous hair

According to a study of the University of Lübeck, regular hair washing with coffee grounds promotes hair growth and strengthens your hair roots.

Mix a handful of coffee grounds with some shampoo or conditioner and massage it neatly into your hairline to stimulate your scalp. After a few minutes, rinse it out with warm water and you're done.

Tip 4: Coffee grounds as a cleaning agent

Regardless of whether it’s on a grill rack, a frying pan or a baking sheet – burned scraps of food are hard to get rid of. Instead of using aggressive abrasives, you can also remove it with your used coffee grounds! It works just as well, does not contain any chemicals and additionally saves a lot of garbage.

Tip 5: Coffee grounds as a pest control

Having your own garden is practical and can be a lot of fun – at least as long as there are no pests. Fortunately, snails, aphids and ants can easily be kept away from your plants by using coffee grounds. Just sprinkle some of it around the plants and enjoy not having to fight those nasty little creatures anymore.

By the way: Coffee grounds on your compost heap have an incredibly positive effect. It attracts earthworms that loosen up the compost.

Tip 6: Coffee grounds as a fertilizer

Brewed coffee powder contains nitrogen and several minerals such as potassium and phosphorus which are making it the ideal fertilizer for your plants! Coffee grounds mixed with potting soil help your greens sprout and stimulate their growth – whether in your garden outside or with your favorite house plants. However, be careful! Just like with normal fertilizer, you should not over-fertilize your plants with coffee grounds.

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