The National Coffee Association estimates that Americans consume 491 million cups of coffee every day. That's a lot of caffeine coursing through a lot of veins, but it also means that we produce tons of used coffee grounds daily. Although you won't be able to make a decent second cup of java, you can put used coffee grounds to good use in other ways: Fertilize. Sprinkle them around plants and flowers. The nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, and other beneficial chemicals in coffee grounds will fertilize the soil and attract worms. What's more, it can repel snails, slugs, and cats. Deodorize. The chemicals in dried coffee grounds can suck bad scents out of the air, so leave a small bowl in the fridge or freezer, and hang a sachet in your car. Exfoliate. Mix used coffee grounds with a little water or coconut oil and rub on your face and body to help remove dead skin cells. Using it on your hair can remove build-up and might even stimulate hair growth! Clean. The grittiness of coffee grounds makes them useful for scouring stuck-on foods from your pots and pans or cleaning up your kitchen sink; just avoid using it on porous materials, which may become stained.
ASK THE VET Feathered Friend
Question: We are thinking about getting our children a pet bird. Is a parrot a good “starter bird” for them?
Not really. Parrots need adult caregivers who have lots of experience with pet birds. Better options for people without much bird experience are budgies, finches, lovebirds, and perhaps cockatiels. Your first step in choosing a bird is to consult with an avian veterinarian, who specializes in treating birds, to learn what type of bird will best fit your family's lifestyle. Ask about the best breeders and whether there's a bird rescue in your area as well as what you'll need
