🥚 5 Creative Ways to Reuse or Upcycle Eggshells
When I was a kid, my mom used to save eggshells from our chickens for all sorts of clever household hacks—nothing ever went to waste. That early lesson in resourcefulness stuck with me, and to this day, I still save my own (and even my neighbours’) eggshells!
At The Green Jar, we’re all about simple, sustainable swaps that reduce waste and spark creativity. Eggshells may be overlooked, but they’re full of potential—perfect for nourishing your garden, cleaning your home, or adding texture to your art.
Here are five eco-friendly ways to give eggshells a second life:
1. Natural Fertilizer for Your Garden
Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, a mineral that strengthens plant cell walls and supports healthy growth. After rinsing and drying, crush the shells and sprinkle them directly into your garden soil or compost bin. They’ll break down over time, enriching the soil and helping your plants thrive—especially roses, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which love calcium!
2. Biodegradable Seed Starters
Next spring, skip the plastic pots and start your seedlings in halved eggshells! Simply fill each shell with soil, plant your seeds, and place them in an egg carton for support. Once your seedlings are ready to transplant, pop the whole shell into the ground. The shell will decompose naturally, giving your plants a nutrient boost as they grow.
 3. DIY Non-Toxic Scouring Scrub
Looking for a gentle, eco-friendly way to clean your kitchen? Grind dried eggshells into a fine powder and mix with baking soda to create a natural abrasive scrub. This mixture is perfect for tackling tough grime on pots, pans, and sinks—without relying on harsh chemicals. Just grab and old bamboo toothbrush, add a bit of water and scrub away!
4. Natural Pest Deterrent
Protect your garden from unwanted visitors like slugs and snails by scattering crushed eggshells around your plants. The sharp edges make it uncomfortable for these pests to crawl over, creating a simple and effective barrier. Bonus: it’s safe for pets and the environment!
5. Eco-Friendly Art Supplies
Feeling crafty? Eggshells can be transformed into sustainable art materials! Grind them into a powder and mix with natural binders to create homemade gesso or textured paint. This adds a unique finish to your artwork and reduces reliance on synthetic materials. It’s a fun way to bring sustainability into your creative process.
Eggshells might seem like kitchen scraps, but they’re bursting with eco-friendly potential! From nourishing your garden to powering your cleaning routine or adding texture to your art, these tiny treasures can do it all. So next time you crack an egg, don’t toss the shell—reuse it and let sustainability start right at your countertop!
Got your own eggshell hack? Share it in the comments—we love learning from our community!