Coffee Grounds Redux -- Home Made Container Possibilities

At one time or another, most of us have found ourselves standing at the perfume counter in a department store, fighting back the urge to scratch at our necks while gasping for air.

All of those scents swirling around at one time can wreak havoc on one's eyes and nose -- they can also make you feel a little woozy and light headed.

So, what's the tradional remedy offered up in a small ramekin?

That's right, coffee beans...just breathe in deeply and everything will be alright.

They help to clear the nasal passages almost in the same way that eating plain saltine crackers cleanse the palate.

It seems sensible that used coffee grounds might create the same effect, which is why Japanese designer Ryohei Yoshiyuki created an ash tray out of them.

His project, entitled "A Cup Of Coffee,” was designed to accomodate cigarette ashes, but I think that it could be used with great effect for so much more.

Why not create several of these and fill them with tea light candles, dried flowers, seed packets, candies, etc.?

If you squeeze all of the water out of your leftover grounds, pack them into assorted empty forms (like cups, glasses, tupperware containers, etc.) allow them to harden in the sun and pop them out, you could create a whole collection of totally eco-friendly household containers.

They might not be as long lasting as their plastic cousins, but they'll be almost as green as it gets -- just keep them away from all sources of liquid!!