Most of us crack an egg and throw the shell straight into the trash without a second thought. But eggshells are surprisingly versatile and can save money, reduce waste, and even benefit your home and garden. Here are 17 clever ways to reuse them.

Fertilizer: Crushed shells add calcium to garden soil, helping tomatoes and peppers thrive.

Compost Booster: Eggshells break down and enrich compost piles.

Pest Deterrent: Sharp shells sprinkled around plants deter snails and slugs.

Seed Starters: Halved shells make biodegradable mini-pots for seedlings.

Bird Feed: Crushed, baked shells provide extra calcium for backyard birds.

Pet Supplement: Finely ground shells can boost calcium in pet food.

Coffee Enhancer: A pinch of shells reduces bitterness in brewed coffee.

Drain Cleaner: Drop crushed shells in the sink to help scrub pipes.

Skincare Scrub: Mix powdered shells with honey for a gentle exfoliant.

Household Cleaner: Ground shells with soapy water make a natural abrasive scrub.

Laundry Whitener: Toss a mesh bag of shells in the wash to brighten whites.

Craft Material: Decorate for mosaics or holiday ornaments.

Odor Absorber: Dry shells in the fridge to neutralize smells.

Chalk Substitute: Mix shells with flour and water to create homemade chalk.

First Aid: Clean, powdered shells can help soothe minor skin irritations.

Candle Mold: Fill sturdy half-shells with wax for mini candles.

Decorative Planter Fill: Use as drainage at the bottom of small pots.

Next time you cook eggs, think twice before tossing the shells—they’re tiny, free resources packed with practical uses for your home, garden, and even your beauty routine.