Creative ways to reuse coffee grounds are still at the heart of this Earth Day inspiration from Espresso Dave’s. In Part 1, we explored how coffee grounds are being transformed into everything from footwear to fuel. Now, in Part 2, we’re getting hands-on with simple DIY projects you can try at home. From biodegradable flower pots to skin scrubs and natural paints, these ideas show how even coffee waste can become something practical, beautiful, and sustainable.
Earth Day is the perfect time to get creative and go green—and your coffee habit can help! At Espresso Dave’s, we’re always exploring new ways to be more sustainable, and one of our favorite topics is finding creative ways to reuse coffee grounds. With nearly 60 million tons of coffee grounds generated each year, repurposing them can make a big impact. Here are a few fun, practical, and eco-friendly DIY projects to help you celebrate Earth Day (and your love of coffee).
Stay Grounded: Make Your Own Coffee Body Scrub
Looking for a zero-waste beauty swap? If so, coffee grounds are a natural exfoliant. In fact, making your own skin scrub is one of the most popular and creative ways to reuse coffee grounds.
You’ll Need:
- ½ cup used coffee grounds (dried)
- ¼ cup coconut oil (warmed)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
- A few drops of essential oil (like lavender or peppermint)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Next, store in a up-cycled jar and use the scrub in the shower for soft, glowing skin—no plastic packaging, no microbeads, just coffee-powered goodness.
Brew, Plant, Grow: DIY Flower Pots Made from Coffee Grounds
One of the most creative ways to reuse coffee grounds is by turning them into biodegradable flower pots. Perfect for spring, these little pots let you start seedlings indoors and plant them directly into your garden—no waste, no fuss!
You’ll need:
- 1 cup of flour
- 1 cup of spent coffee grounds
- ½ cup of water
- 1 clay or biodegradable flower pot (as a mold)
- 1 bowl or container for mixing
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 250°F. Mix flour and coffee grounds in the container, then gradually add water until you get a mud-like texture. Next, mold it over the outside of your pot, flatten the base, and bake upside down for 40 minutes. Cool, remove, and plant—easy, eco, and totally homemade.
Brewing Creativity: Paint with Coffee
Turn your leftover grounds into natural art supplies! In fact, painting with coffee creates warm, earthy tones and gives your art an eco-conscious twist. To get started, simply mix coffee grounds with water and adjust the ratio to achieve different shades of brown. Then, layer your washes to create depth and detail—just like traditional watercolor painting, but more sustainable and totally original.
📸 Get inspired by Giulia Bernardelli, Coffee Artist
Reuse, Repurpose, Reimagine: A Greener Earth Starts with Your Brew
These DIY projects are simple, fun, and meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Day—and they all start with your morning cup of coffee. Whether you’re planting, scrubbing, or painting, there are endless creative ways to reuse coffee grounds and reduce waste in your daily routine.
At Espresso Dave’s, we believe that coffee has the power to connect people and protect the planet. From sustainable sourcing to thoughtful service at your next event, we’re committed to brewing up better practices—one cup at a time.
If you’re planning an event and want to serve great coffee with a side of sustainability, let’s talk. Espresso Dave’s brings full-service, eco-conscious espresso bars to weddings, offices, and celebrations across New England.
