Happy August! Summer is in full swing!
Whenever I think of summer, I think of all of the delicious fruit that I eat to stay cool and healthy! However, most people throw out the fruit peels, and I am guilty of this too. We should all actively be trying not to fill up landfills, so there isn’t as much production of harmful greenhouse gases. Composting is always a good idea, especially if you have a small garden at home but here are fun ways to use the peels of different fruits and vegetables this summer!
Save leftover orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime peels and throw them into your bath for a nice citrus essential oil bath. The water from the bath draws out the essential oils from the fruit peels.
Here are some benefits to certain citrus essential oils:
Lemon essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
Orange essential oil is a mood booster. It relieves stress, anxiety, and depression
Grapefruit essential oil promotes weight loss and clearer skin
Because of the high concentration of citric acid in lemons, they make the perfect natural cleaner. Just use leftover lemon peels and rub it on faucets, shower doors, countertops, etc. Also, you can use some smaller pieces and throw them in the garbage disposal to freshen it up.
Instead of going out to buy shoe polish, you can use a natural shoe polish: banana peels. Rub the inside of a banana peel on your shoes and wipe off any excess bananas off the shoe. Your shoes will become polished and scuff-free in no it! The key ingredient in making the shoes shiny is potassium.
Many fruit and vegetable peels promote healthy skin. For example, put potato skins under your eyes and kiss the dark circles goodbye! Rub avocado peels all over your face and leave it for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes is up, wash your face, and your skin will feel moisturized. Sprinkle sugar on the inside of peach skin for an excellent, natural exfoliant.
I hope this encourages you to get inventive with leftover fruit and vegetable peels!
