Sprinkle coffee grounds: Eco‑friendly ice solution gains traction
Various types of remnants are often regarded as waste, with seemingly no further use. Although the number of people who are keen on using vegetable or fruit peels is growing, there are still some non-obvious "waste" items that can be repurposed. Coffee grounds are one such item, especially handy when the pavements are covered with snow or freezing rain.
Coffee grounds are not just leftovers from your morning brew. They can be a useful ingredient in homemade exfoliants, fertilisers, or even for refreshing items like the contents of a fridge. Scattering coffee grounds on the streets has become increasingly popular. This is a purposeful and practical action. More details are below.
Instead of salt, sprinkle pavements with coffee grounds
Coffee grounds can serve as an effective alternative to salt, typically used to tackle ice on pavements. While salt is common, it can be harmful to both the environment and footwear. Unlike salt, coffee grounds do not harm plants or the materials used in shoes. Plus, coffee grounds are free because they are simply leftovers from brewed coffee. To use them, simply scatter the grounds over icy surfaces—they work similarly to salt. They are also effective on slippery stairs, terraces, or balconies. Several cities around the world have already embraced this eco-friendly solution. Will it be possible to expand this practice more broadly? Let's hope so! Before using coffee grounds on a cleared pavement, ensure they have been properly prepared.
How to properly dry coffee grounds?
The first step is to collect the coffee grounds. You can store them in a container for a few days. To prevent mould, it's beneficial to thoroughly dry the coffee grounds. The drying process is simple: spread the grounds on a newspaper or paper towel and place them in a warm, airy location. Once the coffee grounds are dry, they are ideal for storing and later use.
