With the current pandemic, many of us are reducing the number of trips we take to the store, and trying to stretch our resources as best we can. But what about food waste? Did you know that many of the things we chuck in the bin are actually reusable? This week, we’re diving into our trash cans to recycle one of the things we throw out daily: coffee grounds.

These soggy, but aromatic gritty grounds can be used as fertilizer for acid-loving plants or as a simple dye, but it also makes a great skin exfoliant. By mixing it with a few simple pantry staples, we can easily create a soothing skin scrub. This is great to have on hand, or give away as gifts!

What you’ll need:

• 1 cup brewed coffee grounds (2-3 days worth, depending on how strong you make it!)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup neutral oil, such as olive oil or coconut oil in liquid form

Step One:

Dive into that trash can! Or just save back you grounds from the morning. Gather your other ingredients, as well as a bowl and a mixing spoon.

Step Two:

Mix coffee grounds and sugar together. You can easily adjust this recipe based on how much coffee you have; just mix equal parts coffee to sugar, and half the amount of oil to coffee.

Step Three:

Pour in the oil. Add this slowly; if your scrub starts to look really wet, you’ve added enough oil.

Step Four:

Pour into jar for storage. To use, simple scoop out a quarter-sized dollop and rub thoroughly into skin. Rinse completely and dry with towel. Skin should feel smooth and have a light coffee aroma!