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6 Clever Ways to Give Your Food Waste a Second Life

October 19, 2024 by Donna Dizon Leave a Comment

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We’re always well-intentioned when we’re grocery shopping. And even if we try our best, it’s impossible to avoid food waste altogether. But instead of tossing everything in the trash, there are a few ways you can give something like an old eggshell a second chance!

Here are six examples of ways you can reuse food waste that’ll have you feeling your most eco-conscious self.

Make Fertilizer From Banana Peels

Banana peel fertilizer - cut banana peels into small pieces ready to make fertilizer. Nitrogen of banana fruit peels effective for growing low-nitrogen plants agriculture.
Image Credit: G.Tbov/Shutterstock.

Banana peels are packed with potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. So, instead of tossing those peels into the bin, chop them up and bury them in your garden. Your plants will soak up the nutrients like they’re at an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Quick bonus use for banana peels: we’ve even heard that you can use banana peels as a vegan substitute for bacon! It’s a bit of a long shot, but since you were going to throw it out anyway, why not give it a go and see if you like it? Enjoy those nutrition benefits yourself!

Make Croutons From Stale Bread

Cutting stale bread with a bread knife on a white cutting board to make bread pudding.
Image Credit: Arina P Habich/Shutterstock.

If you’ve ever found yourself with a loaf of bread that’s gone a bit stale, don’t despair! Those crusts can be transformed into delicious croutons. Simply cut them into cubes, toss them with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs, and bake until golden. These little nuggets can elevate any salad or soup. And you don’t have to buy those subpar grocery store croutons ever again!

Give Your Plants a Boost With Eggshells

Fertilizing tomato plants with eggshells in raised garden box bed.
Image Credit: VH-studio/Shutterstock.

Eggshells don’t have much use in the kitchen. But much like with banana peels, they provide your plants with a much-welcome calcium boost! Let your shells dry before crushing them into a fine powder. Then, sprinkle it into your garden—your plants will love you for it!

Use Coffee Grounds as an Exfoliant

Young woman hand applying coffee grounds scrub massaging cosmetic skincare. Scrub exfoliates old skin cells.
Image Credit: ME Image/Shutterstock.

We have a new use for those grounds, coffee lovers—as a way to gently exfoliate your skin! You’ll want to combine it with coconut oil for best results. And since coffee can be rather abrasive, try it on a small patch of skin first to see how you react. But the combo of coffee grounds and coconut oils is incredibly similar to those costly coffee scrubs that you no longer have to buy!

Dry out Citrus Peels for a Punch of Flavor

Many dry orange peels on white table, closeup.
Image Credit: New Africa/Shutterstock.

Don’t toss those citrus peels just yet; aside from using their zest in a multitude of ways, you can dry them and grind them up to make citrus powder! They’ll add a nice sourness to baked goods and marinades. You could also candy the peels or make a homemade marmalade with them. Everyone loves citrus for the juice, but sometimes the peel can be just as delicious and versatile!

Turn Veggie Scraps Into Delicious Broth

Cooking fish soup or uha on a fire. Delicious fish broth with vegetables. Shallow depth of field.
Image Credit: Vlad Antonov/Shutterstock.

Got a collection of vegetable scraps—carrot tops, onion skins, and celery ends—gathering dust in your fridge? Don’t let them go to waste! Instead, toss them into a pot with some water and spices, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a homemade vegetable broth. Simmer it for a couple of hours, strain out the solids, and you’ll have a flavorful base for soups, stews, or even that risotto you’ve been meaning to try.

20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)

Alarmed female wears medical mask against coronavirus while grocery shopping in supermarket or store.
Image Credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia/Shutterstock.

A well-stocked pantry can provide peace of mind and empower you to handle any situation. Whether it’s a natural disaster, economic instability, or simply unexpected guests, having a stash of versatile essential foods can make all the difference.

Here’s a list of 20 of the best foods to stockpile, ensuring you’re ready for whatever comes your way.

20 Food to Stockpile (For the Best Chance of Survival)

12 Everyday Foods Some People Just Can’t Stand

A girl sniffs a spoiled burger. Fast food diet and food poisoning concept.
Image Credit: frantic00/Shutterstock.

When it comes to their foods, some people are just picky eaters. It’s surprising how certain popular foods can be so divisive. While many people love them, others can’t stand the taste, texture, or even the idea of eating them. Here are some surprising foods that some people just can’t stand.

12 Everyday Foods Some People Just Can’t Stand 

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