Repurpose your used food into an at home food waste spa

Next time you head towards the bin with a banana skin, stop – it could be the basis of an at-home pamper session. Yes, really.

Sophie Trueman, eco expert at food-saving app Too Good To Go, says: “There are so many beauty benefits in our food waste.

Whether you use banana skins for a facial, or old tea bags to add shine to hair, there are plenty of ways to squeeze more usage out of it.”

This spells good news for the environment. Indeed, each day the UK wastes over 26 tons of food. And the best bit? It’s completely free.

Here Sophie explains how to create a food waste spa at home.

Coffee grounds to exfoliate

Coffee grounds are great for smoothing and exfoliating skin. The caffeine in coffee dilates blood vessels and creates a toning effect too.

Add used grounds to your favourite oil (coconut oil works well), then add two to three tablespoons of double cream and a tablespoon of honey. Rub this mixture gently over your body in circular motions to slough away dead skin. Rinse off.

Egg whites to tighten

These are rich in protein and other nutrients, and are super nourishing for both the hair and skin. They have anti-ageing properties that help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, and are known to tighten the skin and increase its elasticity.

Simply mix the egg white with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a teaspoon of orange juice. Turmeric has antibacterial properties to fight acne and orange contains vitamin C to reduce pigmentation.

Apply on the face and neck area, and rinse after it dries.

Orange peel to brighten

Orange peel has multiple skin benefits, containing brightening vitamin C, along with calcium, magnesium and potassium, which hydrate and exfoliate.

You can prepare a homemade orange
peel scrub to rejuvenate the skin and boost skin cell regeneration by prepping orange peel powder at home.

Take three to four medium-sized oranges and remove and cut the peel into thin slices. Sun-dry the peel for two to four days and powder using a grinder.

Take a tablespoon of orange peel powder and mix it with just enough water to form a paste. Apply all over the face and neck while massaging gently for naturally glowing skin.

Tea bags to boost hair shine

Prefer tea to coffee? Used tea bags can come in handy, too.

Brew a second pot of tea with your used tea bags, allow to cool, then rinse the tea through your hair after shampooing and conditioning. Tea gives a natural shine to dull hair and adds extra volume, while the caffeine it contains can also help hair grow faster.

Rice Water to tone

Rice water is another underrated skin saviour, great for soothing dry, irritated skin. After cooking your rice, don’t discard the water. Simply soak a reusable cotton pad in it, then sweep the pad over your face.

Alternatively, add it to your bath water before you hop in.

Cucumber Ends to de-puff

For many of us, the end of the cucumber is quick to get tossed. But the cucumber-over-the-eyes look is a spa classic for a reason, and the end of the vegetable has exactly the same benefits as a regular slice. The cooling properties work to reduce swelling and puffiness under the eyes, while vitamin C and folic acid stimulate new cell growth to leave under-eyes firmer and fuller.

Banana peel to nourish

Next time you’ve finished your banana, rub the interior of the banana peel on your skin (or blend the peel up with water to create a thick mask). The high potassium levels hydrate and moisturise skin, while vitamin A works to brighten the complexion.

Potato peel to encourage hair growth

Who would have thought the water leftover from boiled spuds would be great for your hair? Run the water through damp hair for a post-wash rinse. The vitamin B, zinc, niacin and iron in the water will help to promote hair growth, while the vitamin C is great for hydrating the skin at the root of
the hair.

• Find out more about food-saving app Too Good To Go at toogoodtogo.com/en-gb