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You are here: Home / Tips / Recycle These 6 Food Items And Save Money

Recycle These 6 Food Items And Save Money

May 13, 2014 by Playne Jayne 53 Comments

Recycle These 6 Food Items And Save Money

 Recycle These 6 Food Items And Save Money

My absolute favorite category of household tips is the one in which money is saved!  And sometimes they are quick little ideas that don’t require much effort – how about taking items you might normally toss in the trash and reuse or re-purpose them?

Tea Bags

Fertilize garden and household plants

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

Just cut open your teabag and spoon into the surface soil of houseplants.

Houseplant Drainage

Place teabags in the bottom of your pot to keep your houseplants from draining too much.

Cleaner

Rub used teabags wiped over a bathroom mirror then use a dry cloth – cleans wonderfully without chemicals.

 Coffee Grounds

Deodorize Refrigerator and Freezer

Dry your used coffee grounds out on a cookie sheet and place in a container in the freezer or refrigerator  to absorb odors!

 Eggshells

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

Fertilize Garden

Just grind in a coffee bean grinder or crush in a plastic bag. Voila! So good for your soil!

Supplement Chickens’ Diet With Calcium

Crush in a plastic bag and offer to hens as a constant free choice supply of calcium.

Apple Cores and Peels

Make a batch of apple cider vinegar

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

lI used the cores and peels from 5 apples. Placing them in a quart canning jar, I added 1 Tbsp natural apple cider vinegar with the mother (optional) and 2 Tbsp sugar. Then I filled it with water. Use another container that fits down into the top of your quart jar to keep the apple peels submerged. Let it sit for one week, strain out the apple pieces and then take your quart jar and cover it with cotton fabric or panty hose held in place by a rubber band or the jar band.  Leave it out of direct sunlight for 6 weeks and that’s it! You will have unfiltered apple cider vinegar with the mother for just the cost of a little patience!

Citrus Peels

Make a sugared body scrub

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

This makes an amazing gift and the possibilities for pairing it with other pampering items are endless. It smells so wonderful and leaves skin feeling luxurious!

Cut the peels you’ve saved into tiny strips and dehydrate them either in your food dehydrator or oven on lowest setting. Grind them in a coffee bean grinder. Then you just mix your ground peels with twice as much sugar. (Sugar to peel ratio = 2:1) Slowly drizzle olive oil into mixture until desired consistency is achieved. It doesn’t take much!  Experiment with other citruses – grapefruit, lemon, lime, etc.

Infuse oil and make a facial scrub

Check out the incredibly easy instructions in Lemon Peel Infused Facial Scrub – DIY

Infuse vinegar and make a household cleanser

Recycle These Food Items And Save Money

I use vinegar to clean with all the time and I love the results I get.   Fill your jar with your peels, then add vinegar. Let the vinegar pull the cleansing oils from the citrus for about 2 weeks in a cool dark place then strain off the vinegar. Fill an inexpensive squirt bottle and you’ve got yourself an amazing cleaner!  {See information on other “homemade” cleaners at Laura’s Little House Tips!}    As with the sugared scrub, this can be made with any citrus peel – have fun with it!

Overripe Bananas and Banana Peels

Use overripe banana to puree yourself a hair conditioner

Place banana peels in the blender and process until they reach desired consistency. This can be used as a quick conditioner or gently warmed and used as a conditioning mask (be sure and use a shower cap to catch any banana drippings).

Fight aphids

Cut up your banana peels and plant into the surface soil at the base of any plant prone to aphids.

Treats

Chickens and dogs enjoy banana peels.

(chickens really love them if you cut them up the size of small worms!)

Pineapple tops

Grow a pineapple plant

Remove top and and inch or two of the top of pineapple and plant directly into soil (submerging fruity part and keeping spiky leaves exposed). Plant outdoors in warm climates that only occasionally frost, or into a pot that can be brought inside during winter weather. Pineapple plants grow a spiky leaf base that is large and fruit yield will take a few years.

The same would be true of other food items that can be regrown: lettuce, celery, garlic, basil, green onion, carrot greens… visit BuzzFeed for an article on the topic of vegetables that regrow easily!

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Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Apple, Bananas, Citrus Peel, Eggshells, Food, Recycle, Reuse, Save Money, Teabags

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Comments

  1. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    May 13, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    I am definitley trying some of these – starting with the eggshells one!!
    Robin (Masshole Mommy) recently posted…Grauman’s Chinese Theater – Hollywood

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    • maria @ close to home says

      May 13, 2014 at 3:30 pm

      I never knew dogs could eat banana peels. I have done many of the other things suggested great list. pinning this

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  2. Lisa J. Jones says

    May 13, 2014 at 2:43 pm

    What AWESOME Ideas I NEVER Knew Will Be Doing The Tea Bag One For Sure!!
    Lisa J. Jones recently posted…Shrimp Scampi With Spaghetti Recipe!

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      Thanks Lisa – When life gets crazy some of them fall off my to-do list but most of the time they’re quick easy ways to get something out of what normally ends up in the trash! ~Jayne

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  3. Jen V says

    May 13, 2014 at 2:44 pm

    Thanks for all the great tips! I had no idea that you could use used tea bags to clean mirrors. I am definitely trying some of these.
    Jen V recently posted…Kentucky Natural Bridge State Park

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 2:58 pm

      Jen – I think I read it has to do with the acid in the tea? Thanks for stopping by! 🙂 ~Jayne

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  4. Debbie Denny says

    May 13, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    I love all of these ideas. A couple I had not heard of.
    Debbie Denny recently posted…Har-Ber Village Museum Celebrates Armed Forces with Military Day on May 24th!

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:16 pm

      Debbie – thanks! I think reusing things might be my love language. lol! It makes me feel like I’m doing something important! ~Jayne

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  5. Diane Nassy (@philZENdia) says

    May 13, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Thanks for the great tips. I am definitely trying some of these especially the orange peel and vinegar cleaner.
    Diane Nassy (@philZENdia) recently posted…Trying Out The New #AmazonCart Technology

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:17 pm

      Diane, You’re so welcome! Thanks for stopping by— I haven’t yet, but I really want to do a vinegar cleaner with lemon/lime instead of orange. The orange was amazing but I think lemon/lime would be too! We just happen to buy those less. 🙂 Jayne

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  6. kungphoo says

    May 13, 2014 at 5:04 pm

    I drink allot of tea… i can try that tip out.. Thanks for the recycling tips!

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:19 pm

      Anytime kungphoo! 🙂 (we tea lovers have to stick together!) ~Jayne

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  7. Liz Mays says

    May 13, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    I learned so much from just this one post. I’m totally pinning this so I will have it as a reference. Thanks!
    Liz Mays recently posted…Now THIS is Cool! #BanTotalRefresh

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:20 pm

      Liz- I am thrilled you liked it! That’s awesome. It really makes me feel like I’m getting a ‘gold star’ when I find something I can put to additional use instead of throwing away. ~Jayne

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  8. Jennifer B says

    May 13, 2014 at 5:21 pm

    These are some amazing tips! I will be adding my tea grounds to all of my plants! I had no idea that this would be good for them!
    Jennifer B recently posted…Great Places to Visit in Canada for the Family

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:22 pm

      Jennifer– yay! I make a lot of kombucha (made with tea) and I’m thinking of saving up all the tea and just taking it out to the garden too! Thanks for stopping by!!! ~Jayne

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  9. Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare says

    May 13, 2014 at 5:22 pm

    Oh my gosh, these tips are awesome! I can’t wait to try making apple cider vinegar! And the citrus sugar scrub looks great too. Thank you!!
    Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare recently posted…Kiss Me Organics Matcha Green Tea Latte

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:24 pm

      Crystal – you will LOVE the scrub! So easy and it’s divine! I have given little jars of it with gifts and it always gets rave approval! I have a batch of ACV almost done and my kids couldn’t believe it smells “just like” the store bought kind. hahaha! Kind of funny how dependent we’ve become on buying everything. I think my kids are learning good lessons. Thanks for your kind words:) ~Jayne

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  10. Paula Parker says

    May 13, 2014 at 5:23 pm

    Thank you for making it be easier to be green. The tea, houseplant drainage is my favorite. Keep up the good work.

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:25 pm

      Awesome Paula… i’m really glad you liked the post! ~Jayne

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  11. Sandra says

    May 13, 2014 at 6:07 pm

    So many great ideas and all things we can do.

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 6:26 pm

      Sandra… thanks for dropping a line! It felt like I was writing about the tip of the iceberg! I’m sure there are hundreds more little repurposing things we can do… uh oh – I feel another post coming on! lol! ~Jayne

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  12. tonygreene113 @ 113tidbits says

    May 13, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    For the summer, this is going to be a great use to get out of all the orange peels that we go through here in Florida.
    tonygreene113 @ 113tidbits recently posted…Clowns need to be shared too!!

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 8:19 pm

      Yes!, tonygreene113, I am thinking of trying lemon/lime next! wouldn’t that be so fresh!? ~Jayne

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  13. Pam says

    May 13, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    Great ideas! I use eggshells to fertilize my garden and it looks great.
    Pam recently posted…X-Men & Axe: Make your Superhero Smell Good (giveaway)

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 13, 2014 at 8:20 pm

      Pam, Great! I need to send another batch out to my garden soon! ~Jayne

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  14. Mama to 5 BLessings says

    May 13, 2014 at 9:41 pm

    wow I never realized you could use some of these items! I love this – I am so going to have to try some of them!
    Mama to 5 BLessings recently posted…Apple Cinnamon Dessert Pizza Recipe

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 12:18 pm

      mamato5blessings, please let me know how it goes for you if you do! I’d love to hear! ~Jayne

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  15. Cynthia L says

    May 13, 2014 at 10:06 pm

    I love all of these ideas. I never knew how to make apple cider vinegar! Love all of the tips and will be using many of them.
    Cynthia L recently posted…Tea Time Tuesday – Spring Jello Salad

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 12:19 pm

      Cynthia, Great! Be sure and let us know how it goes! I’m glad you enjoyed 🙂 ~ Jayne

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  16. Jen says

    May 14, 2014 at 12:35 am

    These tips and tricks are AMAZING! I can’t decide which ones are my favorite – maybe the banana peels for conditioner? Thanks for compiling and sharing all of these!
    Jen recently posted…15 Minute Cinnamon Apple Syrup

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 12:20 pm

      Jen, Thank you so much! My chickens seem to always get first dibs on the peels but I’ll have to hold some back from them again soon 🙂 ~Jayne

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  17. agatapokutycka says

    May 14, 2014 at 5:53 am

    These are some fantastic tips!
    I shared it all over me social media for it is easier for me to find it again later on!
    Going to make some of these for sure!
    agatapokutycka recently posted…Infographic – Pet vs. Partner Gifting

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 12:23 pm

      agatapokutycka, Wow – thank you so much! I would LOVE to hear the results you get with any ideas you do try! ~Jayne

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  18. Annie {Stowed Stuff} says

    May 14, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Eggshells seem to have to be broken up into really small pieces to finally break up around here. But it does keep animals away!
    Annie {Stowed Stuff} recently posted…How to Replace a Chevrolet Traverse Rear Wiper

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 12:24 pm

      Annie – have you ever tried pulsing them? I use a coffee bean grinder but i bet it would work in a food processor too! ~Jayne

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  19. Lexie Lane says

    May 14, 2014 at 11:32 am

    Oh my gosh! As I was reading, I felt like, what’s next? Where is she going with this? Awesome! I’m going to try all, including the egg shells one.

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 12:26 pm

      Lexie, LOL! I kinda felt like that writing it! The possibilities are endless really – it’s just a mindset we have to be open to and then … watch out!!! 🙂 ~Jayne

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  20. Amanda says

    May 14, 2014 at 2:53 pm

    These are awesome! I love the idea of creating a body scrub! Thanks!!

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 14, 2014 at 6:05 pm

      Amanda – thanks! I’ve given it as a gift and people always LOVE it! ~Jayne

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  21. Pamela K (@datingmyspouse) says

    May 14, 2014 at 9:33 pm

    Did not know how simple it is to make apple cider vinegar. Thanks for this info.
    Pamela K (@datingmyspouse) recently posted…How to marinate ribs

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 15, 2014 at 4:50 pm

      Pamela – You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed! ACV comes with an arsenal of benefits! I love it! ~Jayne

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  22. Aly Mashrah says

    May 14, 2014 at 10:26 pm

    I have not heard of these ideas before, I can’t wait to try them!

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 15, 2014 at 4:51 pm

      Aly, I’m glad you liked the post… I’d love to hear back if you try any! ~Jayne

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  23. Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says

    May 15, 2014 at 10:05 am

    Wow this is a great list. I never knew how to make apple cider vinegar and we use it all the time.
    Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack recently posted…Don’t Lose Access to Your Favorite Entertainment Apps When You Are Traveling

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 15, 2014 at 5:03 pm

      Debi – isn’t it crazy how many uses there are for ACV? Well, I was amazed when I learned anyways. I have a batch almost done fermenting and my kids smelled it– “yup! smells just like the store bought kind!” lol! ~Jayne

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  24. Clare - The Super Mommy Club says

    May 16, 2014 at 2:56 pm

    I would never have thought to use teabags to clean my bathroom mirror! Not sure I can bring myself to do it though… 😉
    #supermommyclub
    Clare – The Super Mommy Club recently posted…15 Mexican Recipes for Kid Friendly Meal Planning

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 16, 2014 at 6:43 pm

      Clare, I can’t remember the name of it, but it has something to do with the acid in the tea cutting through ‘mirror junk’ followed by a dry cloth:) I really appreciate you dropping a line…thanks so much!

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  25. Mommy2jam says

    May 17, 2014 at 2:12 am

    What a great ideas. I didn’t know about giving chicken egg shells to eat. Did I read that wrong?
    Mommy2jam recently posted…When your idea was on fire, literally

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    • Jayne Lloyd says

      May 17, 2014 at 7:37 am

      Mommy2jam, no you didn’t! Chickens eat them and absorb the calcium. Normally I give them oyster shell but when I’m out and use egg shells – it’s like a frenzy. (kinda weird right?) Anyhow, the calcium is also easily absorbed by our bodies! There has been a lot of research done on its effect on bone density of osteoporosis patients. (I realize that’s further than most people would want to go in the area of ‘recycling’ hehe) I sterilize shells, dry, grind in coffee grinder, and fill empty gel capsules – it’s an amazing calcium supplement! ~Jayne

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  26. AntoineJoseph says

    June 9, 2016 at 6:15 am

    Hey!!
    Its an very nice share.

    I can say that recycling is all about re-using, recycling, and minimizing the use of manufactured products and paper, packaging materials and food items.
    I this this is the best share I ever read till now.

    I really like your ideas.

    I think this must be follow by those who really waste too much food.

    Hope people will get inspire from this ..
    Thank you so much for this share.
    keep doing good work.
    God Bless U!!

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Trackbacks

  1. Happy Chickens! says:
    May 27, 2014 at 8:44 pm

    […] What types of healthy ‘snacks’ do you give your chickens? Mine also go C R A Z Y for banana peels […]

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  2. Lemon Peel Infused Facial Scrub - DIY says:
    July 11, 2014 at 7:45 am

    […] I’m a huge fan of any way I can find to not only get more for my money spent, but also find secondary uses for things, especially in the kitchen!  There are so many things we can reuse in terms of food waste; read Recycle These 6 Food Items and Save Money. […]

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