15 Creative Ways To Re-use Kitchen Waste You’ve Probably Not Thought Of – Part 2

Did you know you can make muffin cases, dust wipes or shoe shiners from old coffee filters? Or improve the nutritional content of smoothies with citrus peel? How about creating a unique bird feeder from an old juice carton? Or using coffee grounds to improve the shininess of your hair? There are many ways to re-use and 'upcycle' items we would generally throw away as kitchen waste.

Also, while you're at it, check out part 1 of our re-using kitchen waste collection.
14 Creative Ways To Re-use Kitchen Waste You've Probably Not Thought Of – Part 1

Citrus Peels

recycle-citrus-peel — *realfoodchronicles*

Here are five uses for citrus peels: add fresh ones to smoothies for extra fiber; put a few peels in a bag of brown sugar and put in the fridge to keep the sugar soft; chop and place around the house and garden as an insect deterrent; put some down the garbage disposal to deodorize the drain; or dry them out, grind them up and mix with salt or pepper for an excellent DIY seasoning.

Onion or Potato Sacks

recycle-onion-sack — *kristentriestoblog.blogspot*

These can be used to make unique gift wrapping, or the larger ones can be used as a laundry bag.

Sprouted Potatoes

recycle-potatoes-collage — *yougrowgirl*

Did you know you can place white or sweet potatoes that have sprouted in water or soil to re-grow?

Apple Cores

Apple cores and other fruit cores and rinds can be used to make a fruit scrap vinegar.

Celery Leaves

recycle-celerytops — *recipesfornaturalhealth*

Did you know you can eat celery leaves just like you would the actual celery? You can also add the tops to soups, stews or smoothies.

Milk or Juice Carton

There are at least four ways to 'upcycle' milk or juice cartons. Why not make a bird feeder? Or you can reseal the tops and use as children's building blocks. Transform them into a piggy bank! Or cut the tops off and use as a planter.

Coffee Grounds

We can think of at least four different, natural uses for these. You can mix in with your hair conditioner once a week to give your hair a dazzling shine! Or mix some with coconut oil for an excellent facial exfoliator. How about a bowlful in the fridge to get rid of any nasty odors! Or sprinkle damp grounds in your fireplace while cleaning to reduce flyaway dust.

Celery & Lettuce Stumps

recycle-celerylettuce — *earthgivenkitchen*

Did you know both of these nutritious vegetables can be regrown from their stumps in water?

Pickle Juice

Once you've consumed your last pickle, you can simply refill the jar of juice with more vegetables, for instance, new pickles!

Parmesan Container

Simply wash and re-fill with any product that requires sprinkling e.g. Borax or bicarbonate of soda.

Carrot Tops

Don't throw away your carrot tops when you can add them into a soup or stew. You can also use the green part to make a pesto. And if you want to, you can re-grow these veggies in water.

Fruit & Veggie Pulp

If you are a fan of fresh juices, then you'll know all about the large amounts of left-over pulp that's involved. Don't throw this out! You can add some to your smoothie to add extra nutrition, use it to make delicious breads, or mix it into batter for savory dinner pancakes.