At Fressko, we believe that sustainability goes beyond just choosing a reusable cup - it’s about considering the entire lifecycle of what we consume.
Every morning, millions of us globally kick-start the day with a fresh cup of coffee. For many it’s a ritual. Collectively, we’re producing an eye-watering 10 billion kilograms of coffee waste each year, most of which ends up in landfill. It’s time to rethink where those leftovers go. Rather than tossing them in the bin, coffee grounds can be repurposed in simple yet impactful ways, from nourishing your garden to enhancing your skincare routine. Here’s how you can give your coffee grounds a second life and make your daily brew even more sustainable.
Coffee grounds are packed with essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and magnesium, making them a fantastic natural fertiliser. Simply add them to your compost and mix with organic matter, before sprinkling them around your plants to improve soil quality. If you’re growing acid-loving plants like blueberries, roses, or tomatoes, coffee ground can help create the perfect pH balance for healthier growth.
Looking for a chemical-free way to deter pests? Coffee grounds work as a natural repellent for ants, slugs, and even cats that might wander into your garden. The strong scent and slightly abrasive texture create a barrier that many pests avoid. Sprinkling the grounds around your plants or garden beds can act as an added layer of protection.
They are also a powerhouse ingredient for exfoliation. Their natural texture helps buff off dead skin cells, while the exfoliation action stimulates circulation, reducing puffiness and promoting a healthy glow. Mix used coffee grounds with a bit of coconut oil or honey to create an all-natural body scrub. It’s zero-waste skincare at its best!
Do you have unpleasant odours around the home? Placing a small bowl or breathable bag of dried coffee grounds in your fridge, garbage bin, or even stinky shoes can absorb and eliminate unwanted smells naturally, just like baking soda. They also work wonders for getting rid of lingering food smells on your hands - just rub a handful between your palms after chopping garlic or onions.
The slightly abrasive nature of coffee grounds makes them a great natural cleaner for scrubbing stubborn stains on pots, pans, and even countertops. Just mix with a little water and scrub gently. Unlike synthetic cleaners, coffee grounds are biodegradable, so they won’t pollute waterways or contribute to plastic waste. Just use damp, not wet grounds, avoid light surfaces to prevent stains, and rinse well after cleaning. A simple, sustainable way to keep things fresh!
Fressko isn’t alone in reimagining coffee waste - innovators in our own back yard are working on techniques to transform coffee waste into something far more powerful. Researchers at RMIT University, Australia have developed a method to convert used coffee grounds into biochar, enhancing concrete strength by 30%. This breakthrough not only reduces landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials. With advancements like these, coffee waste is becoming a key player in the future of sustainable innovation.
Next time you brew your coffee in your Fressko Reusable Cup, give those grounds a second thought. Small changes, like reusing coffee waste, can have a big impact - because sustainability isn’t just about what you sip from, but how you make the most of every drop.
