Coffee grounds: A Hidden Treasure for a Greener and More Economical Daily Life

published on 11.26.2022 — by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly — 8 mins of reading —

Often perceived as a simple residue from a tasty flat white or filter coffee, coffee grounds are in fact a veritable mine of resources. Versatile and eco-friendly, it can be used in the garden, in your daily care routine or in home maintenance. In this article, find out how to transform this apparent waste product into a valuable, long-lasting ally.

What is coffee grounds?

Coffee grounds are the ground beans left over after infusion. This organic material is naturally rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Entirely biodegradable, it can be easily reused rather than thrown away, offering an alternative that is both economical and ecological, and full of potential for many everyday uses.

Marc de café dans la main prête a être composté dans le jardin

The benefits of coffee grounds for the garden

1. A Natural Fertilizer Rich in Nutrients

Coffee grounds are an excellent natural fertilizer. Thanks to its high nitrogen content, it stimulates plant growth and improves soil fertility. Here's how to use it:

Mix with compost Coffee grounds balance compost by adding nitrogen.
Combine it with carbon-rich waste, such as dead leaves, for optimal
for optimal composting.
Apply directly Sprinkle pomace around plants or mix lightly with soil to enrich the soil.

2. A Pest Repellent

Slugs, snails and other pests are sensitive to the abrasive texture and acidity of coffee grounds. To protect your crops:

Create a barrier around the plants.
Mix with water and spray on sensitive areas.

3. Improving soil structure

Coffee grounds help aerate compacted soils and promote better water retention, improving the overall health of your plants.

4. Attracting earthworms

Earthworms love coffee grounds, and their presence enriches and structures your soil even more.

Marc de Café in Your Beauty Routine

1. A Natural and Ecological Scrub

The granular texture of coffee grounds makes them ideal for exfoliating the skin. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients 2 tablespoons coffee grounds, 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil.
Use Massage gently into skin in circular motions, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
lukewarm water. Result: soft, luminous, naturally exfoliated skin.
naturally.

2. Body Odor Reduction

Coffee grounds absorb odors, making them ideal for neutralizing stubborn odors on your hands after handling garlic or fish. Simply rub a small amount onto your hands before rinsing.

Marc de Café for Household Maintenance

Coffee grounds can also revolutionize your household chores thanks to their abrasive and deodorizing properties.

1. Natural Air Freshener

To eliminate unpleasant odours, place dried coffee grounds in :

A dish inside your refrigerator.
Your closets or shoes.
Areas where humidity promotes odors (such as under a sink).

2. Gentle Abrasive Cleaner

Coffee grounds are perfect for scrubbing difficult surfaces without damaging them:

Pots and pans Add a spoonful of pomace to a damp sponge to dislodge residues.
Sinks or hobs Use as a cleaning paste, rubbing gently.

3. A drain opener

In small quantities, coffee grounds can help prevent blockages
and reduce unpleasant odours down the drain:

Pour in a little marc, followed by hot water.
Caution: Do not use large quantities to avoid blockages.

Marc de café dans un résidu d'un café filtre

Other practical uses of coffee grounds

1. Versatile Odor Neutralizer

In the car Fill a small cloth bag with dry coffee grounds to absorb tobacco or food odors.
For pets Sprinkle lightly on the litter to limit odours.

2. Natural Colorant

Coffee grounds can be used to stain paper, fabric or even wood for creative projects, or to give your objects a vintage patina.

How to Preserve and Reuse Your Coffee Grind?

To maximize the benefits of coffee grounds, it is essential to prepare and store them properly:

Drying Spread the pomace out on a flat surface, such as a baking tray, and allow it to air-dry completely to prevent mildew.
let it air-dry completely to prevent mildew.
Storage Once dry, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Regular collection Accumulate your daily pomace for use in your weekly projects.

Adopt a Zero Waste Approach with Marc de Café

By reusing coffee grounds, you're taking an environmentally-friendly approach and helping to reduce waste. At 94 Celcius, we believe in the importance of responsible, sustainable consumption, and we value every resource derived from coffee.

Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a fan of natural solutions for the home, or simply curious, coffee grounds are a real nugget to incorporate into your daily routine.

Discover the World of Coffee with 94 Celcius

Want to learn more about specialty coffee and its benefits?
Explore our blog for coffee tips, tricks and inspiration. And if you'd like to enjoy our carefully roasted coffees, visit our online store!

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