When most of us think of egg shells, our first instinct is to throw them away. But as it turns out, there are many benefits to keeping and reusing egg shells in various ways.

Here are some reasons why you should consider saving those egg shells instead of tossing them in the trash:.

1. Natural Fertilizer for Plants

Egg shells are packed with nutrients that plants need to grow. They are a great source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which helps promote strong and healthy growth of plants.

Instead of using chemical fertilizers, you can crush up egg shells and use them as a natural fertilizer. Simply crush the shells into small pieces and sprinkle them around your plants. As the shells break down, they release nutrients into the soil. You can also add crushed egg shells to your compost pile to enrich the soil even more.

2. Pest Control

Egg shells are also great for keeping pests away from your garden. Crushed egg shells can deter slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied insects from damaging your plants.

Simply sprinkle the shells around your garden or create a barrier around individual plants. As the insects crawl across the sharp edges of the shells, they will be discouraged from continuing on.

3. Household Cleaner

Egg shells can also be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning household items. The sharp edges of the shells can help scrub away grime and grease without damaging surfaces. You can use egg shells to clean pots and pans, sinks, and even your coffee maker.

Simply crush the shells into small pieces and mix them with a bit of soap and water to create a paste. Then use the paste to scrub away any dirt or grime.

4. Improve Your Garden Soil pH

If your garden soil is too acidic, egg shells can come to the rescue. Egg shells are alkaline in nature, which means they can help neutralize acidic soil. Simply crush up a few egg shells and mix them into the top layer of soil around your plants.

Allow the shells to break down and release their nutrients over time.

5. Calcium Supplement for Your Body

In addition to benefiting plants, egg shells are also a great source of calcium for humans. Calcium is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth.

You can pulverize egg shells into a fine powder and add it to your food or drink to increase your calcium intake. Simply bake the egg shells in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to sterilize them, then grind them into a powder using a blender or food processor. Be sure to store the powder in an airtight container.

6. Crafting Material

Finally, egg shells can be used as a crafting material for various projects. You can create mosaic art with crushed egg shells, or use them as a filler for DIY projects like papier-mâché.

You can even use empty egg shells as planters for small plants or as candle holders.

Overall, egg shells are a versatile and useful item that should not be tossed away. From providing natural fertilizer for plants to serving as a calcium supplement for humans, egg shells have many benefits that should be taken advantage of.