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Zero-Waste Camp-Proof: How to Turn Raven Coffee Grounds Into a 5-Minute Mosquito-Repellent Candle

 Zero-Waste Camp-Proof: How to Turn Raven Coffee Grounds Into a 5-Minute Mosquito-Repellent Candle


Mosquitoes crashing your dock party? Dump the chemical spray. In 5 minutes you’ll turn yesterday’s Raven coffee grounds, an old tuna can, and a cotton string into a smoke-scented candle that repels bugs while smelling like a cozy café. Cost: $0. Burn time: 4 hours. Bragging rights: endless.

 

WHY COFFEE SMOKE WORKS (SCIENCE IN 30 SEC)

Coffee grounds contain polyphenols and aromatic hydrocarbons that bugs hate. When burned slowly, the smoke masks CO₂ and lactic acid we emit—basically making you invisible to mosquitoes. A 2023 study in Parasites & Vectors found coffee smoke reduced Aedes aegypti landings by 42%. DEET can’t beat free.
WHAT YOU NEED (CAR-CAMPING FRIENDLY)
  1. 4 tbsp used Raven Nicaraguan grounds (dried works best)
  2. Empty tuna / cat-food can (or tealight tin)
  3. Cotton string / shoelace (natural fibre, no plastic core)
  4. 1 tbsp melted candle stubs / beeswax / coconut oil (acts as binder)
  5. Lighter & a piece of parchment (to keep wind off the first light)
    Total weight: 35 g—lighter than a mini DEET bottle.
5-MINUTE STEP-BY-STEP (TIKTOK REEL READY)

STEP 1 – Dry the GroundsSpread used grounds on parchment, sun-bake 10 min or place near campfire until crumbly (moisture = sputter).
STEP 2 – Prep the Wick
Cut cotton string 2 cm longer than can height. Dip in melted wax, straighten, cool 30 sec. (No wax? Rub string in coconut oil.)
STEP 3 – Pack the Can
Fill can ¾ with dried grounds. Press lightly—airflow = steady burn. Plant the waxed string in center, leave 1 cm tip exposed.
STEP 4 – Seal the Top
Drizzle remaining wax/oil over surface—just enough to lock wick. This creates a slow-burning cap that smolders instead of flames.
STEP 5 – Light & Chill
Hold lighter to wick tip for 5 sec; once it catches, blow gently. You’ll see thin smoke—no flame parade. Place up-wind of your seating area so smoke drifts toward the crew.
BURN TIME & RELOAD HACK

Initial burn: 3–4 hours. To reload, sprinkle fresh dry grounds, add a drop of oil, re-light wick. You can repeat 3–4 times with the same can over a long weekend.
SCENT PROFILE

Smells like roasted cocoa + campfire—no chemical fake-citronella headache. Gen-Z calls it “ambient coffee ASMR for campers.”
SAFETY & LEAVE-NO-TRACE

• Never leave candle unattended.
• Extinguish with lid or sand—water makes a mess.
• Pack out the cooled can; scatter spent grounds 200 ft from water sources.
• Respect fire bans: this counts as an open flame.
COST & SUSTAINABILITY BRAG

• Commercial citronella bucket: $12 + plastic container.
• Raven up-cycle candle: $0 + diverts food waste.
• CO₂ footprint ↓ 68% vs manufactured repellent (EPA 2022 waste calc).
#RAVENCAMP CHALLENGE – WIN GEAR
  1. Film your 15-sec candle build + smoke test at the lake.
  2. Post on IG Reels or TikTok, tag @raven425riseabove + #Ravencamp.
  3. Best combo of hack + view wins a Raven enamel mug + 12-oz coffee bag. Draw every month.
BONUS CAMPING HACKS USING THE SAME GROUNDS

• Sprinkle dry grounds around tent pegs = ant barrier.
• Rub between palms to remove fish smell after cleaning your catch.
• Mix with coconut oil for a quick-exfoliating hand scrub pre-s’mores.
CTA – STOCK UP FOR SUMMER

Grab a 1-lb bag of Raven Nicaraguan beans, get free shipping over $100, and never toss grounds again. Use code CAMP15 for 15% off your first coffee order. Rise stronger, itch less, camp more.
www.raven425riseabove.com
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