10 reasons why you shouldn’t throw away eggshells

Pet food additive Dogs and cats benefit from added calcium for bone strength. Mix finely ground eggshell powder into pet food to support skeletal health, particularly for growing puppies, kittens, or ageing animals.

Natural fertiliser Crushed eggshells add calcium to soil, improving plant health. Sprinkle directly into garden beds or mix into compost to boost nutrient content and strengthen stems, leaves, and root growth naturally.

Pest deterrent Sharp eggshell edges deter slugs, snails, and cutworms. Spread crushed shells around plants to form a protective barrier that prevents these pests from chewing leaves or damaging tender seedlings overnight.

Bird feed supplement Baked and crushed eggshells provide birds with calcium for strong eggshell production. Add to birdseed to help wild or backyard birds during breeding season, ensuring healthier chicks and eggs.

Seed starters Half eggshells make biodegradable seed-starting pots. Fill with soil, plant seeds, and place in trays. Once seedlings sprout, transplant shell and all, enriching the soil with calcium as it decomposes.

Compost booster Eggshells enrich compost with minerals, balancing nitrogen-rich kitchen scraps. Dry, crush, and mix them into compost bins to speed up decomposition while improving the nutrient quality of the final compost.

Coffee taste enhancer Add crushed eggshells to coffee grounds before brewing to reduce bitterness. The calcium carbonate in shells neutralises acids, producing a smoother, milder coffee flavour without altering caffeine content.

Household abrasive cleaner Crushed shells act as a gentle, natural abrasive for scrubbing pots, pans, or sinks. Mix with soapy water to clean without scratching, replacing harsh chemical cleaners for eco-friendly results.

Skin exfoliant Finely ground eggshell powder mixed with honey or aloe creates a gentle facial scrub. It removes dead skin cells, boosts smoothness, and naturally supplies calcium for skin health.

Calcium supplement Powdered eggshells can be added to smoothies or baked goods for a calcium boost. Boil, dry, and grind finely to make them safe for human consumption and nutrient absorption.

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