Coffee grounds: The eco‑friendly solution to icy sidewalks
Different types of leftovers are generally considered waste that can't be used further. Although more people are using vegetable and fruit peels, there are still less obvious "waste" items that can have a second use. Coffee grounds are one such item, especially when sidewalks are covered with snow or freezing rain.
Coffee grounds are not just the remnants of your morning cup of coffee. They're useful for homemade scrubs, fertilizers, or even refreshing the contents of your fridge. Increasingly, you can also see coffee grounds scattered on streets. This is a deliberate and sensible action. Details below.
Instead of salt, sprinkle coffee grounds on sidewalks
Coffee grounds can be an effective substitute for salt, which is commonly used to combat ice on sidewalks. Salt, while widely used, is harmful to the environment and footwear. In contrast, grounds do not negatively affect plants or the materials from which shoes are made. Moreover, coffee grounds are free because you can use leftovers from brewed coffee. To apply, simply scatter them on icy surfaces—they work similarly to salt. They are also great for slippery stairs, terraces, or balconies. Several cities around the world have already implemented this eco-friendly method. Will it be possible to spread this solution on a larger scale? We can only hope! Before using coffee grounds on cleared sidewalks, it's important to ensure they are properly prepared.
How to properly dry coffee grounds?
The first step is collecting the coffee grounds. They can be set aside in a container and stored for a few days. To prevent mold, it's worth thoroughly drying the coffee grounds. The drying process is simple: just 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 ideally suited for storage and later use.
