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Achieving Zero-waste on Used Coffee Grounds
       
There are many creative ways in which we as consumers can do our part in the circular economy. We have listed 5 of them where used coffee grounds get a second chance in being re-used. 
 

1. Used as fertilizer
Used coffee grounds can be thrown in your garden and used as fertilizers. They contain several key nutrients required for plant growth — nitrogen, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and chromium. They can also help attract worms and decrease the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil. Otherwise, you can also place them in your compost bin. A compost that contains 40% coffee grounds produces the fewest greenhouse gas emissions and best quality compost.





2. Used for pest control
Used grounds can be used in the household to repel insects and other pests. 
Certain compounds found in coffee, such caffeine and diterpenes, can be highly toxic to insects. They are effective at deterring mosquitos, fruit flies and beetles. Simply set out bowls of grounds around outdoor seating areas. You can also scatter the coffee grounds around the plants. This helps create a barrier that slugs and snails do not like to crawl over. Grounds are also effective for flea control on your pets.  Simply rub the grounds throughout your pet’s fur after shampooing and rinse them off and allow your pet to dry as usual. Do note that these grounds should be used externally on your pet's skin and not ingested.




3. Used as a natural cleaning scrub
Coffee grounds are abrasive and can help remove buildup on hard-to-clean surfaces. They may even help sanitize due to their antibacterial and antiviral properties for a natural clean. The coarse texture of coffee grounds makes them ideal for scrubbing hard-to-clean kitchen utensils. You can use them to scour your sink, polish your cookware, or clean your grill. Simply sprinkle the grounds directly onto cookware and scrub, rinse thoroughly afterward.




4. Used for health and beauty
Used grounds can be used to exfoliate your skin by helping to remove dirt and dead cells from your skin. Mix the coffee grounds with a little water and apply them directly onto your face and body. The caffeine in coffee grounds has potent antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from sun damage. The grounds help to stimulate hair growth and strip buildup by removing residue buildup and dead skin cells. They can also help in treating under-eye circles. In addition, it also reduces the appearance of cellulite. 






5. Used as candles, bath scrubs
For those who enjoy DIY, all-natural coffee candles and bath scrubs, used grounds are one of the main ingredients. Mixing one tablespoon of used grounds with melted wax and layering the process can create to create a coffee-flavored candle. As of making your own coffee bath scrub, whisk in the coffee grounds together with vanilla and honey into a melted soap base. 



​Source:Healthline
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