AsI was growing up, my grandmother swore that burying eggshells in sand would eventually result in rich, black dirt. Based on her advice, I have buried my shells in flowerbeds and garden plots for decades. With the rising cost of meat, we have been eating more eggs lately and that has resulted in more eggshells, so I started doing some research on other ways to use eggshells.
In addition to the compost heap, here are a few more ways to utilize eggshells:
Alternative Uses for Eggshells
Coffee Additive
Add the shells from cooked eggs to your coffee grounds and you will end up with a smoother tasting cup of coffee. Only use shells from eggs that have been boiled, however, to ensure they are sanitary. If you’re making cowboy coffee, adding shells is supposed to help improve the taste. After you’ve brewed the pot of coffee, the grounds, filter and eggshells can all be put in the compost heap.
Bird Feed
Crushed up eggshells can also be added to birdseed. Birds need calcium just like we do.
Sidewalk Chalk
Wash, dry and grind the shells of six eggs to produce about one tablespoon of eggshell powder. You can use a mortar and pestle or a food processor to accomplish this. Mix the powder with one teaspoon of hot water, one teaspoon of flour and a few drops of food coloring. Roll the paste up in a paper towel and place in a cool, dry space for a few days until the chalk is thoroughly dry. Unwrap and let the kids get creative on the sidewalk or driveway. This chalk is only intended for outside surfaces; it will scratch chalkboards.
Eggshell Candles
Pop eggshells at one end to extract the egg for cooking. Rinse out the emptied shell and place back in the egg carton to dry. Melt candle wax and pour into the shells. Add wick and let cool. For a special presentation, dye the egg shells and place the finished candles in ceramic boiled egg holders, then group together for a unique table arrangement.
Travel Mug Cleaner
I take a daily cup of coffee with me to work. After a few days, the interior of the mug gets stained. Over the weekend, I place some crushed eggshells, water, and a squirt of dishwashing liquid in my stainless-steel mug. By Sunday evening, I rinse it out and have a sparkling clean mug for Monday morning. This process will also work on thermoses and coffee pots.
Do you have any other alternative uses for eggshells? Share them in the comments!
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