Leveraging Coffee Waste for Social Impact: A Sustainable Toolkit for Enhancing Sensory Skills and Therapeutic Exercises in Educational and Therapeutic Settings

In an era of increasing focus on sensory development, mental well-being, and sustainability, we present herein a Coffee-Infused Soap-Making Toolkit as an innovative solution to the intersecting challenges born out of these factors. This study aims to develop and assess a novel toolkit designed to integrate sensory stimulation with therapeutic hand exercises while promoting sustainable practices. The problem addressed is a gap in the literature regarding educational and therapeutic tools that are effective and eco-friendly, which simultaneously support sensory and cognitive development. The research employs a descriptive design which is intended to be carried out with a sample of 100 participants, including children with sensory processing issues, older adults with motor function decline, and educators. Data collection will involve both quantitative and qualitative methods, utilizing surveys, structured interviews, and observational data to evaluate the toolkit’s impact on sensory engagement, motor function improvement, and overall well-being. Statistical and thematic analyses will be applied to interpret the data. The aim of this intended research is to determine whether the Coffee-Infused Soap-Making Toolkit, which aligns with sustainable practices by incorporating eco-friendly materials, effectively enhances sensory skills and motor functions by leveraging the tactile and olfactory benefits of coffee grounds, as well as its effectiveness in supporting therapeutic hand exercises. This study underscores the potential of integrating sensory enrichment with sustainability in educational and therapeutic settings, offering practical implications for educators and therapists. The toolkit is not only designed to foster cognitive and motor development, but also exemplifies how environmental responsibility can be embedded into therapeutic interventions. Future research should focus on empirical validation across diverse populations and explore the broader implications of sustainable practices in therapeutic tools.