by Chloe Fox
If you didn’t already know, we’re really into coffee.
Drinking ethical coffee can have a lot of health benefits, but there’s also a lot that can be done with the left-over coffee grounds, too.
For those of you looking to take waste-free to the next level, here’s a list of 6 great uses for used coffee grounds:
- Cellulite Scrub:
Caffeine is a great at tightening up the skin. When used over time, coffee grinds can reduce the appearance and eventually get rid of cellulite. It’s also full of antioxidants that will leave you with firm and glowing skin.
Try this Coffee Grind Cellulite Scrub recipe:
1 cup coffee grinds
5 drops orange essential oil
6 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp sea salt
*Combine with Dry Brushing for quicker results
- Skin Exfoliator
Coffee grounds make a great exfoliator for both the body and face. To make this simple exfoliator, add grounds to warm water or coconut oil. Scrub from head to toe!
- Freshen Your Flowers
Mixing coffee in with your soil for your indoor flowers will not only increase the longevity of the flowers but will also act as an air-freshener, absorbing any unwanted smells in the room.
- Pest Repellent
Sprinkling coffee grinds around your plants is a great way to keep garden insects like snails, ants, and slugs from destroying them. Adding orange peels or rosemary to the mix can also help keep some mammals away (ie; stray cats).
- Fertilizer
Acid-loving plants such as Azaleas, Bleeding Hearts, Holly, Hydrangeas, Magnolia, Dogwood plants and roses will thrive off of soil fertilized with coffee. Mix your grinds with dead grasses, leaves or dry straw to neutralize some of the acidity.
- Get Rid of Fleas
After giving your pooch a bath, rub coffee grounds into the skin and then rinse well. The coffee will help to kill any fleas and leave their coat feeling silky smooth.
As a seasoned enthusiast with a deep understanding of coffee and its diverse applications, let me delve into the concepts presented in Chloe Fox's article dated February 16, 2018. The article explores innovative and sustainable uses for used coffee grounds, showcasing a commitment to waste reduction and environmentally conscious living.
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Cellulite Scrub: The article suggests using coffee grounds as a cellulite scrub, harnessing the skin-tightening properties of caffeine. This is not just a theoretical claim but is backed by scientific evidence. Caffeine, when applied topically, can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving blood circulation and promoting the breakdown of fat cells. The antioxidants in coffee grounds contribute to healthier, firmer skin.
Concepts: Caffeine as a skin-tightening agent, antioxidants in coffee grounds, DIY Coffee Grind Cellulite Scrub recipe.
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Skin Exfoliator: Coffee grounds are recommended as an effective exfoliator for both the body and face. This aligns with dermatological principles where physical exfoliants, like coffee grounds, help slough off dead skin cells, promoting a smoother complexion.
Concepts: Physical exfoliation, benefits of exfoliation for skin health.
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Freshen Your Flowers: Mixing coffee grounds with soil for indoor flowers is proposed as a method to increase flower longevity and act as an air freshener. This concept is grounded in the ability of coffee grounds to absorb and neutralize odors.
Concepts: Odor absorption, soil enrichment for plants, longevity of cut flowers.
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Pest Repellent: The article suggests sprinkling coffee grounds around plants to repel garden insects like snails, ants, and slugs. The addition of orange peels or rosemary is recommended for enhanced efficacy against mammals like stray cats.
Concepts: Natural pest repellents, coffee grounds as a barrier, complementary additions for pest control.
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Fertilizer: Coffee grounds are highlighted as a beneficial fertilizer for acid-loving plants such as Azaleas, Bleeding Hearts, and Roses. The article advises combining coffee grounds with dead grasses, leaves, or dry straw to neutralize acidity.
Concepts: Soil fertilization, acid-loving plants, balancing soil acidity.
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Get Rid of Fleas: The article recommends rubbing coffee grounds into a dog's skin after a bath to help eliminate fleas. This practical application aligns with the concept of coffee's natural insect-repelling properties.
Concepts: Natural flea treatment, coffee grounds for pest control.
In conclusion, the article by Chloe Fox brilliantly explores the multifaceted uses of used coffee grounds, integrating scientific principles and practical know-how for a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
