The Different uses of Coconut Shells
Coconut shells may seem like nothing more than waste from the delicious coconut fruit that we all know and love. However, these shells have so many more uses than you might expect! In this blog post, we'll explore the ways that coconut shells are being utilized around the world.
Coconut Shell Charcoal
One very common use for discarded coconut shells is to make charcoal. The porous nature of the coconut shell makes it perfect for converting into activated charcoal through controlled burning. Coconut shell charcoal has numerous applications, including:
Filtration - It can filter and purify water through absorption of toxins and impurities. Many water filtration systems use activated coconut shell carbon.
Deodorization - Charcoal absorbs odors very effectively. Coconut shell charcoal can deodorize air and remove unpleasant smells in everything from refrigerators to bathrooms.
Teeth whitening - Dentists sometimes use activated charcoal from coconut shells to naturally whiten teeth through abrasion and absorption.
Soil enrichment - Mixed into soil, the carbon improves soil quality and plant growth.
Coconut Bowls and Spoons
Due to its hard shell and fibrous husk, the coconut fruit lends itself nicely to carved kitchenware like bowls and spoons. Coconut bowls provide a sustainable, natural alternative to plastic or paper containers. Meanwhile, carved coconut spoons are durable tools perfect for cooking and serving. Products made from coconuts are renewable and biodegradable.
Coconut Shell Crafts
You can make beautiful handicrafts from coconut shells too! They are an awesome eco-friendly material for homemade planters, bird feeders, wind chimes, jewelry, decorative bowls, candle holders, and more. Craft makers love to polish and carve coconut shells into decorative artwork or etch/paint designs on the outer husk. Pinterest has tons of creative ideas for DIY coconut crafts.
Fuel and Heat Source
Dried coconut shells actually make a remarkably effective natural fuel, containing substantial amounts of lignin and cellulose. In many coconut-producing regions, shredded coconut shells fuel agricultural and industrial fires for production of rubber, palm sugar, and coconut oil. Using the shells eliminates waste and provides a free heating/fuel source.
Musical Instruments
Believe it or not, people also handcraft musical instruments from coconut shells! The most common type is a simple drum. But artists in tropical regions like the Philippines and Hawaii make guitars, flutes, ukuleles, and xylophones too. Combining shells of varying sizes produces unique tones and acoustics. Making musical devices from natural materials found freely in nature represents the pinnacle of sustainability.
As you can see, the humble coconut shell has myriads of valuable uses beyond just tossing it in the trash after consuming the fruit inside. From filtration to fertilizer to fuel and craft materials, different industries across the world make good use of these tough, abundant shells. With a little creativity, we can transform coconut waste into useful and eco-friendly products instead. The versatility of the coconut shell is amazing!