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Coffee Grounds

· 3 min read
koficodes
koficodes
Just a person

Interesting thoughts this morning when I am brewing my cup of coffee. When dumping my coffee grounds to the bin and I am thinking how much of coffee waste do we produce per as a coffee drinker.

How Much Coffee Waste Do We Produce?​

According to the SCA, the “golden ratio” for brewing coffee is 55g per litre. This works out at just under 14g for a 250ml cup. While this might seem individually insignificant, billions of cups of coffee are consumed every single day.

Waste in Coffee Production​

So why is coffee production so bad for the environment? The decomposition of coffee waste in landfills generates greenhouse gases and whenever these are dumped into landfills, they create methane which are more harmful than carbon dioxide

Reusing Coffee Grounds At Home​

As what I have been doing, majority of used coffee is often thrown to the bin without being separated or treated. I did some googling and found some good ways of reusing coffee ground at home

  • Coffee grounds make great fertilizer because they contain several key nutrients required for plant growth. They can also help attract worms and decrease the concentrations of heavy metals in the soil.

  • Adding compost to your garden can significantly improve the health of your plants. Coffee grounds can help increase nutrient levels and decrease the greenhouse gas emissions of your compost.

  • Like other insects, fleas do not like coffee. Bathing your pet in used coffee grounds may help keep fleas at bay.

  • Coffee grounds can help absorb and eliminate odors from your refrigerator, gym bag or smelly shoes. Using them as a hand scrub can also help remove lingering smells from onion or garlic.

  • Coffee grounds can be used as an abrasive cleaner. They can help sanitize and remove buildup from sinks, cookware, grills and other surfaces around the house.

  • Coffee grounds can be repurposed into an exfoliating scrub for your face and body. They help remove dirt and dead skin cells and promote overall skin health.

  • Coffee grounds contain compounds that are toxic to many insects. You can use your coffee grounds to repel mosquitos, fruit flies, beetles and other pests.

  • Coffee grounds may help reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking down fat deposits and increasing blood flow to the affected area.

  • Use coffee grounds to weigh down the ashes in your fireplace before cleaning. This makes for easier ash removal and less mess.

  • Coffee grounds can be repurposed into an exfoliating scrub for your face and body. They help remove dirt and dead skin cells and promote overall skin health.

  • Coffee grounds contain natural acids and enzymes that help tenderize meat and enhance its flavor.

  • You can use coffee grounds to buff out scratches on wooden furniture and darken them to match your existing finish.

  • Coffee grounds contain caffeine and antioxidants. When applied to the skin, they can help prevent aging and reduce the appearance of dark under-eye circles and puffiness.

  • Coffee grounds contain compounds that can raise blood cholesterol. Consuming small amounts on occasion is fine for most people, but they may be problematic if consumed in excess.