I Love Bananas ... But What Do I Do With All the Banana Peels?

I am trying to live a Green Lifestyle and look to avoid waste in any way that I can. We go through many bananas in my household, which means we have lots of banana peels in the garbage. Our community does not have a composting plan, so I need to find ways to use the peels.

For years I have been aware that banana peels help remove warts naturally and help with itchy skin from bug bites and poison ivy, but I have not considered keeping peels on hand IN CASE I am inflicted. I learned that banana peels also can be used to whiten teeth ... the inside of the peel has manganese that is known to whiten teeth.

I read an article titled 20 Uses For Banana Peels and found out that banana peels can be used in the garden. Aphids do not like bananas, so planting them in the ground near a plant an aphid likes will deter the aphid. Banana peels planted with tomato plants help nourish the tomato plant through the season.

Banana peels also have household uses. If the banana peel is blended with water, the mixture can be used to shine silver. The pithy side of a banana peel can be used to polish leather shoes, jackets, and furniture ... just buff with a clean cloth after the banana peel application.

I also found an article about COOKING with banana peels. I cannot wait to try the recipes! The smoothie will be my first attempt ... look for a post coming soon!