Households produce a lot of waste each week, not to mention the whole year. But did you know that some of your trash can be repurposed? Common trash items like banana peels, citrus rinds, and vegetable trimmings have the potential to save you money over time and reduce the environmental impact by keeping them out of your trash. Give some of your kitchen scraps a second life with these tips.
Citrus Peels
One of the easiest ways to repurpose kitchen scraps is by giving citrus peels a second life. Orange, lemon, and lime peels are rich in natural oils that can be used as non-toxic cleaning agents. Just soak the citrus peels in vinegar for around two weeks, and then you have an all-purpose cleaner that leaves a pleasant scent behind. It’s great for all over the house, and eliminates the need to buy chemical cleaners, and saves that money for other purchases. Note that these cleaners should not be used on natural stone surfaces like granite. Plus, for even more fragrance, add a few drops of essential oils to the mixture.
Leftover Vegetable Pieces
Kitchen scraps aren’t just useful for cleaning, but for elevating your cooking skills too. Leftover vegetables, like carrot tops, celery ends, onion skins, and mushroom stems, can be collected until there’s enough to simmer in a pot and leave you with homemade broth. This way, you won’t have to shop for broth, and it adds a new level of flavor to your favorite dishes. Avoid using cruciferous or starchy vegetables, though, as they can lead to a bitter taste and cloudy broth. There are plenty of recipes out there to create your broth, but many have the vegetables simmer for 30 minutes to a couple of hours, and add various seasonings for extra taste.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can have a longer life past your morning cup. If you have a green thumb, place some of the grounds in the soil to enrich it with nitrogen and improve its structure. Blueberries, azaleas, roses, and other acid-loving plants will flourish with the coffee grounds. The grounds can also be used to suck up natural odors from refrigerators or other areas, and even as exfoliants in homemade scrubs.
Bread Pieces
Bread ends and crusts, or even a couple of slices that have gone stale, can have a new life as breadcrumbs, croutons, or other fun bread-centered dishes. Just taking some seasoning and toasting the bread can turn it from something to throw in the garbage to a favorite topping on your dinner plate.
Banana Peels
Banana peels may seem useless, or even dangerous if one steps on them, but they hold several surprise uses. Taking the inside of a peel and rubbing it on houseplant leaves acts as a natural polish. This can reduce the use of harmful chemicals in your home. Outside, you can take the kitchen scraps to the garden and bury the peels. It releases potassium and phosphorus into the ground, two essential nutrients for plant health. You can even use banana peels to tenderize meat or blend them into a smoothie. The possibilities are endless.
Giving Kitchen Scraps Another Chance
Taking kitchen scraps and giving them new lives provides both financial and environmental savings. All you need to do is look at these formerly trash-bound items in a new light, and they will transform into all-purpose cleaners, garden must-haves, and new toppings for your favorite dishes. These practices are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a more sustainable lifestyle.