Coffee grounds contain a variety of antioxidants that offer protection against free radicals. Free radicals are very aggressive and attack our cells. Our cell structure can change as a result or, in the worst case, damage our cell function or DNA. Coffee grounds are full of effective ingredients and are therefore far too valuable to be thrown away. Using coffee grounds saves money and protects the environment. But what exactly can you do with coffee grounds?

Whether for the Advent wreath or for cozy evenings on cold winter days - a Christmas without candles is hard to imagine. But many people are not aware of the side effects of some candles. In order to celebrate Christmas sustainably, you should also pay attention to the ingredients of the candles.

paraffin candles release various substances that are harmful to the environment and health. Paraffin, a byproduct of crude oil processing, is one of the biggest climate killers. Therefore, vegetable fats such as palm stearin is becoming increasingly important as an alternative to paraffin wax in candle production.

Vegetable stearin is mainly made from palm oil That is, from monoculture plantations that are located where climate-friendly rainforests should actually grow. In Indonesia and Malaysia in particular, large parts of the tropical rainforest were destroyed to grow oil palms, which led to the extinction of species. Slash-and-burn agriculture also affects the global climate.

In Germany, many candles have the RAL quality sealWith the seal, the manufacturers have committed themselves not to use any raw materials, paints or varnishes that contain harmful substances.

If you have a lot of tea lights with an aluminum holder at home, but want to experience a sustainable Christmas, you can buy plant-based tea lights without an aluminum rim and refill the old aluminum rings.

However, organic candles made from beeswax are best because they are produced in an environmentally friendly way.

Christmas decorations make our Advent season so much more beautiful. But here too, there are some approaches you can take for a sustainable Christmas! Instead of tinsel and Christmas balls, how about something from nature? Stars made of straw, figures made of beeswax or wood, dried orange slices or cinnamon sticks will make your home look just as Christmassy.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DRIED ORANGE SLICES

Of course, you can also let the orange slices dry in the oven, but with our method you can save a lot of energy!

1. Cut the oranges into 1 to 2 cm thick slices.
2. Pre-dry the slices a little by pressing them lightly between kitchen paper towels. Make sure that you don't damage too many of the fruit chambers.
3. Then place the slices on fresh kitchen paper so that the moisture can be better distributed and evaporate during drying.
4. Find a warm and airy place in your home where the orange slices can dry optimally. Radiators or sunny corners in the home are best.
5. Turn the orange slices daily.  This means that no mould forms, the panes dry faster and they stay straight.

Tip: If you change the kitchen paper more often during the first few days, it will speed up the drying process.