Shelling out

[anneed]

It has always bothered me that there didn't seem to be a good use for pistachio nut shells, a plentiful natural resource that just seemed to be wasted. But now they are talking of banning those tiny plastic beads in cosmetics (good job too) I'd like to suggest someone sets up a business grinding up the shells and using those instead.

Am I onto a winner?

And does anyone have any other suggestions for using pistachio nut shells? I'm not losing sleep over this but thought it might be a fun exercise!

[qbman1]

I've always thought they make a quite attractive mulch around plants, either in pots or in the garden if you have enough of them.

Looks like someone else had the same idea. Loads of others here too:

http://thegreenhome.co.uk/feature/uses- ... io-shells/

[anneed]

Ooh yes - I like the jewellery!

[qbman1]

I would have thought that would be a bit fiddly to do - and a bit prickly to wear ?!

[qbman1]

....especially if some of the shells came loose and slipped down your undergarments !!

[Stephen]

It's all a bit of a worry really

[qbman1]

You would view it rather differently if you have pistachio shells in your pants !

[Stephen]

Are you speaking from experience

[oldbluefox]

Clearly his mankini is way too big!!!

[Raybosailor]

Put them in a liquidiser and pulse them into small fragments then put them in a container and mix with a little waterproof PVA until you get a paste.

Paint this paste on the outside of plastic plantpots to give them a more natural look.

It seems to deter slugs as well but I wont guarantee this, you can use any nut shells but make sure your processor is sturdy enough to take the job on.

Using the same process you can add the ground nutshells to some sharp sand,cement and moss that can be moulded into planters that after a short while will look like they are a hundred years old.

[qbman1]

I'm sure I saw you on Blue Peter doing that Raimondo ?!

[Stephen]

I'm sure I saw you on Blue Peter doing that Raimondo ?!

You took the words right out of my mouth QB Lets see his badge though for confirmation.

[qbman1]

He hasn't got Helen Skelton's legs but I hear he's quite good with his hands !

[Raybosailor]

I don't like to chuck things away if I can make something of them the bin men only empty our bin once a year and that is in the summer so I don't have to give them a Christmas tip.

When my kids and grandkids give me Birthday,Christmas and Fathers Day cards they never write on the envelope because they know I like to re-use them.

[Raybosailor]

He hasn't got Helen Skelton's legs but I hear he's quite good with his hands !

bie

Don't start me off on Helen Skelton Cubie I still have dreams about Valerie Singleton

[qbman1]

That's perfectly OK. Could be worse - it could have been John Noakes and Shep !

[Mervyn and Trish]

I worked with Valerie Singleton once.

[screwy]

Where is all this going i ask..?

[Mervyn and Trish]

Way off topic I reckon, but where are the Modplods when you need one?

[qbman1]

I worked with Valerie Singleton once.

Were you dressed as a sheepdog or a baby elephant ?

[Mervyn and Trish]

I was working on the PM Programme on Radio 4. No elephant wee in sight.

[qbman1]

Ah, no wonder I didn't remember that - I haven't had an attack of the Radio Fours for a long time !

[Frank Manning]

We did a project for a well known coffee firm trying out grinding the shells and burning them in the boilers. They had been supplying them to animal feed companies. They had a good thermal value, and were cleaner than many coals.