Odd Uses

Many people incorperate a compost pile into their garden so that they don't waste any part of the vegetables peel, core, or other uneaten parts. There are several ways other than a compost pile to use these pieces. Here are a few suggestions to use vegetable byproducts in a different way:

Infused Olive Oil

Olive oil is a staple in cooking, but it's overall flavor can be enhanced! By adding any citrus peels into extra virgin olive oil, you can enrich the flavor and make a bland meal better!

Jam

Of course you can make jam out of fruits and vegetables, but the flavor of these can also be enhanced using a similar tactic as the olive oil. Add the rinds from lemons, oranges, and other citric products to boost a little flavor in your jams or to make a delicious marmalade.

Foot Rub

Using papaya skins, as well as pulp, to rub on the bottoms of your feet make for a relaxing and beneficial foot massage. Papaya are full of vitamin A and papain which helps break down inactive proteins and remove all of those dead skin cells. Plus, it'll make your feet smell quite fruity.

Hair Dye

Bring potato peels to a boil for about 30 minutes and then strain out the peels. Using this water to rinse your hair after shampooing will gradually and naturally darken your hair. For more fun colors, you can also use beets, blueberries, and any fruit or vegetable that stains your hands when handled.

Polishing Metal

Citrus rinds, such as lime and lemon, are full of citric acid which makes a great polisher. To speed up the process a bit, try sprinkling a little baking soda or even using a little ketchup. Puree tomato is a good substitute for conventional ketchup. Try shining metals around your house for that "brand new" look!

Houseplant Shine

Rub a banana peel against the leaves of the plants in your house and it will result in a glorious glossy shine. Banana peels are also a good natural fertilizer, so after your plant is shining, bury the peel in the pot so that it may continue to grow healthy.