10 Ways to Use Banana Peels for a Sustainable Lifestyle

Most of us eat bananas without any second thought. We peel them, eat the fruit and dispose of the banana peel. But did you know that banana peels have numerous benefits beyond nutrition? Here are 10 ways to use banana peels for a sustainable lifestyle.

Banana peels make excellent natural fertilizers because they are rich in nutrients like potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Simply chop up some banana peels and bury them in the soil around your plants.

The nutrients will slowly seep into the soil, enhancing the growth of your plants.

2. Compost

You can also add banana peels to your compost pile or bin. The peels will break down quickly and provide valuable nutrients to your garden soil.

Banana peels are particularly useful for composting because they add a balance of nitrogen and carbon to the compost, making it more fertile.

3. Pest Control

Believe it or not, banana peels are effective in controlling pests in your gardens. The peels contain natural compounds that repel insects like aphids, mealybugs and spider mites.

Simply bury some banana peels in the soil or lay them on top of the soil around your plants to keep pests away.

4. Skin Moisturizer

Banana peels are rich in antioxidants, which make them a great natural moisturizer for your skin. Rub the inside of a banana peel on your skin to help soothe and moisturize it. The peel will also help reduce inflammation and redness on your skin.

5. Teeth Whitener

The potassium in banana peels is said to help whiten teeth. Simply rub the inside of a banana peel on your teeth for around two minutes every day, and your teeth will start to grow whiter over time.

However, don’t expect overnight results as it takes time for the process to work.

6. Shoe Polisher

You can also use banana peels to polish your shoes and keep them shiny. Rub the inside of a banana peel on your shoes and then wipe with a cloth. The peel will remove dirt and provide a natural shine to your shoes.

7. Meat Tenderizer

Banana peels contain enzymes that can help break down meat fibers and make them more tender. Rub a banana peel on your meat before cooking it, and leave it on for around half an hour to an hour to see the difference.

This is particularly useful for tough cuts of meat.

8. Silver Polisher

The inside of a banana peel can also be used to shine silverware and remove tarnish. Simply rub the peel on the silverware and leave it on for a few minutes. Then, wipe off the peel with a cloth to reveal a shiny surface.

9. Furniture Polisher

To give your wooden furniture a natural shine, rub the inside of a banana peel on it and then buff it with a clean, dry cloth. The oils in the peel will moisturize and polish the wood, giving it a fresh look.

10. Hair Conditioner

Interestingly, banana peels can also be used as conditioners for your hair. The peels contain nutrients that nourish and moisturize your hair. Simply blend a banana peel with some water, and apply the mixture to your hair.

Leave it on for around half an hour, and then wash off with shampoo and water.

These are just some of the many ways you can use banana peels for sustainable living. So, the next time you eat a banana, don’t throw away the peel, use it for one of these creative purposes.

By incorporating these habits into your daily life you are helping the environment and reducing waste.