30 Smart Ways to Save Money and Help the Planet (31 Photos)

The online community ZeroWaste is filled with clever life hacks for reusing everyday items, cutting down on trash, and doing your bit for the planet. While individual effort might seem small, every bit counts in making a real difference.





The core idea behind these tips is simple: don't throw things away—reuse them or find a creative new purpose. Makes total sense.



Ditch buying paper confetti. Punching out pieces from fallen dry leaves is completely eco-friendly and costs nothing.





A printed paper shopping bag gets a second life as unique gift wrap.



Even the tiniest fabric scraps can be saved for a patchwork quilt—making for a thoughtful, handmade gift!



A clever solution: a toothbrush with replaceable heads to minimize plastic waste.



“Instead of throwing away an old, scratchy cardigan, I unravelled the yarn and knitted a bed for my cat.”



To pass the time during lockdown, a school janitor in Morocco repaired old benches so they could be reused for the new academic year.



“My dad built a greenhouse using a pile of junk he called 'You never know when this'll come in handy.' Old windows, floorboards, straightened nails, scraps of metal roofing... He only spent $40 on eight large bolts.”



“We grow our own loofah, dry it out, and use it as dish sponges. Five plants give us a two-year supply of sponges, and they're 100% biodegradable.”



“A local soapmaker sells package-free scrap pieces at a discount. It's a fantastic way to try out new scents!”



“Our local store just installed a refill station for laundry detergent and dish soap.”



A creative backyard setup idea for anyone with an old trampoline collecting dust.



“I used birdseed instead of confetti for my graduation photos.”



“Our local supermarket turns unsold fruit into fresh juice.”



“My latest artwork, crafted entirely from wine bottle foil seals.”



Supermarkets in New Zealand tested selling plastic-free produce—and saw sales skyrocket.



A custom DIY cat tree made from upcycled materials.



“I made soap dishes out of unused takeout chopsticks, glue, and string.”



“My mom knows I'm trying to cut down on waste, so she gave me homemade bar soap, a body scrub, shampoo, and conditioner for my birthday!”



“A coconut turned salt cellar that's been in my family for over 20 years.”



Sometimes picture frames don't come with hanging hooks. Soda can pull-tabs work like a charm instead.”



“Repaired a cracked toilet seat using the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi.”



Old liquor bottles make great water decanters for the dinner table.



“Upcycled an old jacket into shorts, a bucket hat, and a bag.”



“Convinced my friend not to throw away his old wooden fence and let me turn it into raised garden beds for him.”



An outdoor doormat woven from old garden hoses.



“Made my own celery salt by drying celery leaves that I would've otherwise tossed, crushing them up, and mixing with salt! Tastes way better than store-bought and creates zero waste.”



“Needed a travel pill organizer for a big trip. Instead of buying one, I made it using an old tin and an expired plastic card.”



“Crafted a desk lamp using an old camera, parts from a broken lamp, and a piece of driftwood found in the woods.”



“Couldn't get this ugly stain out of the middle of my T-shirt, so I turned it into a cool tie-dye design!”



“Forgot your reusable tote at the store? No big deal—as long as you brought your wife along!”