Zero waste uses for eggs, eggshells and egg cartons

The ultra-utilitarian egg is a kitchen staple, but it has several other surprising uses around the house.

If you have dry skin that needs moisturising, an egg yolk makes a great natural facial. Oily skin does better with the egg white (to which you can add a little lemon or honey), and normal skin can take the entire egg. Separate the egg as needed, and beat the part that suits your skin. Then apply the beaten egg to the area you want to treat, relax and wait 30 minutes, then rinse.

Want eggs on demand? Follow our essential guide to raising chickens. 

Out of regular white glue? Egg whites can act as a glue substitute when gluing paper or light cardboard together.

Learn how to choose the right adhesive for the job. 

Eggshells are a great addition to your garden compost because they are rich in calcium – a nutrient that helps plants. Crushing them before you put them in your compost heap will help them break down faster.

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After boiling eggs, don’t pour the water down the drain. Instead, let it cool; then water plants with the nutrient-filled water.

Here are 24 more genius gardening hacks.

Plant seeds in eggshells. Place the eggshell halves in the carton, fill each with soil, and press seeds inside. The seeds will draw extra nutrients from the eggshells. Once the seedlings are about 7.5 centimetres tall, they are ready to be transplanted into your garden. Remove them from the shell before you put them in the ground. Then crush the eggshells and put them in your compost or plant them in your garden. You can also use a cardboard egg carton as a nursery for your seeds; once they’ve sprouted, divide the carton and plant each cardboard cell along with the seedlings.

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Ground eggshells make a wonderful (and nontoxic!) abrasive for those tough-to-clean pots, pans, and thermoses. Mix them with a little soapy water for a powerful clean.

Learn more about making your own green cleaning products. 

Keep a few ground eggshells in your kitchen sink strainer. They trap additional solids and when they slowly break down, they will help to naturally clean your pipes on their way out.

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Drop an eggshell into a small container of apple cider vinegar and let it soak for a couple of days. Dab the mixture on minor skin irritations or on itchy skin.

Dry eggshells in a 120-degree oven for about 30 minutes. Then put them in a plastic ziplock bag, seal it, and crush the shells with a rolling pin until they are a fine powder. Put this into your dog’s food as a great calcium supplement to help its bones and teeth. Always check with your vet if you have questions.

Here are more fuss-free pet care tips.