6 Uses for Peanut Shells

  There are times at the end of a party when I've got a ton of peanut shells to clean up.  I am the type who hates to waste anything that I could compost or use for something else.  Here in Alaska, composting can be done but it slows down significantly in the winter when everything freezes solid for several months.

So what are some ways to use those shells when you've enjoyed all the nuts? 


1.  The most obvious is to compost the shells.  It is recommended you grind them up a bit to help them break down further and help release the nitrogen.  Peanut shells are classified as brown material for he compost pile.

2.  It can be used as a mulch around the garden.  There is a warning floating around the internet that one should not use peanut shells for mulch in the South due to possible blight but I've heard people have successfully used it.

3. Create your own kitty litter by soaking these shells, adding some biodegradable dish soap, and letting them dry before adding some baking soda.  If nothing else, this makes a great emergency kitty litter.

4. Use them instead of the Styrofoam peanuts when you need to pack something so its well protected during transit.

5.  Instead of salt use peanut shells on icy walks and steps to make it easier to walk.

6.  Peanut shells used to start fires and they turn into charcoal so if pressed, they could replace briquettes.

So if you end up with a bunch of left over peanut shells, think of putting them to use in one of the above ways.  Let me know what you think!