Eco‑friendly alternative: Using coffee grounds on icy paths
Various types of remnants are often considered waste, with no further utility perceived. Although a growing number of people are finding uses for vegetable or fruit peels, there remain less obvious "wastes" that can be repurposed. Coffee grounds are one such example, especially useful when pavements are covered with snow or freezing rain.
Coffee grounds are not just the leftovers from your morning brew. They can be used for homemade exfoliants, fertilisers, or to freshen, for instance, the contents of a fridge. Scattered coffee grounds on streets have also been increasingly observed. This is a deliberate and sensible practice. More details below.
Instead of salt, sprinkle pavements with coffee grounds
Coffee grounds can serve as an effective alternative to salt, which is commonly employed to tackle ice on pavements. Salt, while widely used, is harmful to the environment and footwear. In contrast, coffee grounds do not adversely affect plants or the materials from which shoes are made. Furthermore, coffee grounds are free because they are simply the leftovers from brewed coffee. To use them, scatter the grounds over icy surfaces—they operate in a similar fashion to salt. They are also effective on slippery stairs, terraces, or balconies. Several cities around the world have already adopted this eco-friendly approach. Could this solution become more widespread? Let's hope so! Before scattering coffee grounds on pavements, ensure they have been properly prepared.
How to properly dry coffee grounds?
The first step is to collect the coffee grounds, which you can store in a container for a few days. To prevent mould, it's advisable to thoroughly dry the coffee grounds. The drying process is straightforward: spread the grounds on a newspaper or paper towel and place them in a warm, airy location. Once dried, the coffee grounds are ideal for storage and later use.
