ADVERTISEMENT

Big or small, every change matters when making our planet a better place. And this goes beyond the individual, too. Luckily, as the mindset of consumers shifts towards eco-friendly thinking, more and more businesses are implementing "green" innovations in the way they go about things. From cigarette butt-recycling postal pouches to simple product packaging, Bored Panda has compiled a list of pics, proving that we, the Earth, really do have a bright future.

#1

The Cafe At My Closest Beach Gives Free Drinks To People Who Collect A Bucket Of Litter From The Beach

The Cafe At My Closest Beach Gives Free Drinks To People Who Collect A Bucket Of Litter From The Beach

Chazster567 Report

#2

Pen Made Of Recycled Water Bottles Casts A Shadow Of A Water Bottle

Pen Made Of Recycled Water Bottles Casts A Shadow Of A Water Bottle

Tyler__Harris Report

#4

Instead Of Using Paint For This Parking Lot, This Is How The “Lines” Are Created. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

Instead Of Using Paint For This Parking Lot, This Is How The “Lines” Are Created. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

TheNeptunian Report

#5

An Easy Way To Recycle Old Mascara Wands

An Easy Way To Recycle Old Mascara Wands

Please do NOT throw away your mascara wands. Instead, clean JUST THE WAND with Dawn liquid soap, place them in a ziploc bag and mail them to a Wildlife Refuge accepting donations.
These little wands are able to be upcycled to clean away oil, larvae, fly eggs, mites, infections, mud and other contaminants from wildlife. Works great for medical care and wound treatment.
Mail to: Appalachian Wildlife Refuge P.O. Box 1211 Skyland NC 28776

marilynbmonroe Report

#6

Poland Unveils Glow-In-The-Dark Bicycle Path That Is Charged By The Sun

Poland Unveils Glow-In-The-Dark Bicycle Path That Is Charged By The Sun

TPA Instytut Badań Technicznych Sp. z o.o. Report

#7

Carlsberg Using Glue To Make Six Packs Instead Of Plastic

Carlsberg Using Glue To Make Six Packs Instead Of Plastic

sokke_the_real Report

Add photo comments
POST
norahoramora avatar
Nora H.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We have these in Denmark. It's a little tiny dot of some special glue, which took them a long time and effort to develop. It holds the six cans tightly together and you have to twist it in a certain way to separate. After the glue doesn't stick to anything anymore. It saves 150 tons of plastic a year in Denmark alone. Also we have a system where you get paid for returning empty bottles and cans. A lot of homeless people make a living collecting them, and also they don't end up polluting nature.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#8

Got An Event Bracelet That Can Be Planted

Got An Event Bracelet That Can Be Planted

RealSushiSandwiches Report

Add photo comments
POST
anne-karina avatar
Anne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just, keep them in Cali. If they are not native species, they may overgrow your local native species.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

I Found A Hidden Message When I Ripped The Paper Off This Ramen Pot

I Found A Hidden Message When I Ripped The Paper Off This Ramen Pot

pixelfetish Report

Add photo comments
POST
crisbarriuso avatar
Miss Cris
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When paper is very dirty, like sometimes of food, when wrapped things, it cannot be recicled and it must be thrown in the waste container, not in the paper one.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

An Ice Cream Cup Made Of Banana Leaves

An Ice Cream Cup Made Of Banana Leaves

hey_imKramer Report

#11

My Grocery Store Started Selling Overripe Bananas For Cheap With A Recipe For Banana Bread On The Bag

My Grocery Store Started Selling Overripe Bananas For Cheap With A Recipe For Banana Bread On The Bag

WholesomeSwissCheese Report

#12

This Notebook Is Made Of Stone

This Notebook Is Made Of Stone

Lando24 Report

#13

You Can Charge This Battery With A Micro USB

You Can Charge This Battery With A Micro USB

fallensk8r Report

Add photo comments
POST
patriciaross avatar
tuzdayschild
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is great for things like remote controls. Instead of throwing the batteries away, recharge them. One less thing in the land fills

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Refill Station At Simon Fraser University, Canada

Refill Station At Simon Fraser University, Canada

LexOtterly Report

#15

This Cup Is Made From Plant Starch, Not Plastic

This Cup Is Made From Plant Starch, Not Plastic

harisshahzad98 Report

Add photo comments
POST
kode1303 avatar
Jesper Rasmussen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lets remember that many compostable cups are really not compostable. https://recycleforgreatermanchester.com/blog/the-truth-about-compostable-packaging/

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

My Pencil Has Seeds On The Tip, So When It's Too Small To Use It You Can Plant It And A Tree Will Grow Out Of It

My Pencil Has Seeds On The Tip, So When It's Too Small To Use It You Can Plant It And A Tree Will Grow Out Of It

ImFreakingAlefi Report

Add photo comments
POST
rosaconner79 avatar
Rosa Anderson
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When my son was in middle school, he got in trouble for "lurking" in the bushes next to his school. When I asked what he was doing, he said he was planting his pencil next to the school so that it would grow into a tree!! LMAO

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

This Makes Me Incredibly Happy, And More Inclined To Shop Here More Often

This Makes Me Incredibly Happy, And More Inclined To Shop Here More Often

MattehPee Report

#18

Recycled Cardboard Used As An Alternative To Bubble Wrap

Recycled Cardboard Used As An Alternative To Bubble Wrap

bunzler Report

ADVERTISEMENT
#19

My University Makes Notepads Out Of The Recycled Paper And Hands Them Out To The Students

My University Makes Notepads Out Of The Recycled Paper And Hands Them Out To The Students

UrBrotherJoe Report

#20

Single-Use Cutlery And Straws From Avocado Seeds

Single-Use Cutlery And Straws From Avocado Seeds

Recently, Mexican company BioFase released single-use cutlery and straws that biodegrade in 240 days. The company collects avocado seeds from companies who process avocados to make guacamole or oil.

BioFase Report

Add photo comments
POST
depicus avatar
depicus
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why not just use metal ones and reuse. Single use is just wasteful however environmentally friendly

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#21

This Super Market Had Tiny Paper Bags Instead Of Plastic Containers To Reduce Waste

This Super Market Had Tiny Paper Bags Instead Of Plastic Containers To Reduce Waste

treanegno Report

#22

Every Day After Closing, This Local Bakery Leaves Out A Bag Of Their Unsold Pastries That People Can Take From Freely Instead Of Throwing Them Away And Make Unnecessary Waste

Every Day After Closing, This Local Bakery Leaves Out A Bag Of Their Unsold Pastries That People Can Take From Freely Instead Of Throwing Them Away And Make Unnecessary Waste

AmazingJesusChris Report

Add photo comments
POST
captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some places you can't do this in because the shop/restaurant would be liable if anything bad happens. Sucks but it's true. They are forced to throw the food away.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

This Japanese Toilet Refills Through A Sink In The Top So You Can Rinse Your Hands And Re-Use The Water

This Japanese Toilet Refills Through A Sink In The Top So You Can Rinse Your Hands And Re-Use The Water

Flupsy Report

Add photo comments
POST
captaindash avatar
Full Name
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Grey water reuse is awesome, although this would be ergonomically a bit awkward to use. I've seen these at urinals as well where it would work much better.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#24

You Bike To Keep The Outlet Going, To Recharge Your Devices

You Bike To Keep The Outlet Going, To Recharge Your Devices

AndersV2200 Report

#25

The Bowling Alley In My Neighbourhood Tore Up Old Lanes And Used Them To Renovate The Washrooms

The Bowling Alley In My Neighbourhood Tore Up Old Lanes And Used Them To Renovate The Washrooms

JohnYoungMVP Report

#26

My Local Coffee Shop Gives Free Compost Made From Their Used Coffee Grounds

My Local Coffee Shop Gives Free Compost Made From Their Used Coffee Grounds

dazz9573 Report

Add photo comments
POST
misstea2020 avatar
Moo Moo Futch
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pleased to say every coffee shop in my city - Portsmouth UK - give away their grinds for gardening.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

I Bought A Pack Of Cigarettes And They Came With A Postage Paid Recycling Pouch

I Bought A Pack Of Cigarettes And They Came With A Postage Paid Recycling Pouch

p4d4 Report

Add photo comments
POST
stimpy avatar
imbriuminarian avatar
Bunzilla
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The main point is that they don't biodegrade, so I'm glad they found a way to recycle them.

Load More Replies...
johnl_2 avatar
John L
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now THIS is a good idea. Cigarette butts is one of the most prolific forms of littering.

lifeartphoto avatar
TheDivineMs.M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahhh- eco friendly cigarettes- if only their smoke and chemicals didn't fill the air.

mtemple33 avatar
Jessica Temple
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

these should be required to be sold inside of each pack of smokes.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

An average smoker smokes around 15 cigarettes per day. There are around one billion smokers worldwide. That makes 15 billion cigarette butts per day. Here are 22 ways to quit smoking: https://www.thehealthy.com/addiction/smoking/quit-smoking/ and here are facts: https://theconversation.com/whos-smoking-now-and-why-it-matters-109605

marjasofia_j avatar
Mummi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I stopped smoking (having smoked for 49 years...) because of butts. I just couldn't stand them anymore. Too much was too much. Butts were the only thing that motivated me enough to stop.

Load More Replies...
m_40 avatar
Magne Grøtting
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The carbon footprint of making that pouch, shipping it and recycling it..

jawpoo avatar
Jane W.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just mail them back to the cigarette companies and see what happens.

starwarsgirlkeeley avatar
Keeley Sullivan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This should be everywhere! And more well known! I see cigarette butts EVERYWHERE in my town, whether it's by a bench, or on a sidewalk, or in a small flower patch. It's really disgusting. And I see them in places where there are tons of little kids, who would probably wonder what they taste like and not know any better. Even throwing them away in the trash is better than leaving them on the ground but recycling them is definitely the best option! Although, if I could change anything, it would be to get rid of all cigarettes (really just smoking in general) forever but that's not gonna happen :/

starwarsgirlkeeley avatar
Keeley Sullivan
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Also, excuse my ranting but can people, like, NOT smoke in public at all if they feel they really have to smoke? There are some people (like me) who have a ~little thing~ called "asthma" who could stop breathing bc of someone's smoke! Seriously, if you really want to get lung cancer and die, don't take other people down with you. And for little kids, even if they don't have asthma, it's still pretty dangerous for them. AND it's a fire hazard, too. It doesn't look "cool". It looks stupid and dangerous. Now, I understand if you have an addiction to it, but please try not to smoke where it can harm people! Do it in your home or in a place where you're alone, and ALWAYS throw the butts away-- or better yet, recycle them with what's in the picture! Yeah, just recycle them. Please.

Load More Replies...
theresa_tz_mail avatar
abiljum4233 avatar
Allison B.
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have ones that are biodegradable, I could imagine these are as well. The company seems to care alot about that, which is awesome!

Load More Replies...
biedermannulm avatar
Petra Biedermann
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not smoking ....what a novel idea....would be even more environmentally friendly!

paulchang avatar
Paul Chang
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is major. Cig butts are disgusting. They don’t breakdown easily, they contaminate the earth and they are filthy with cig chemicals

donnabaker avatar
Donna Baker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When i smoked i used the cigarettes without filter, save in a jar with water. Then fill a spray bottle. With salution and a small squirt of dawn to spray my plants . Especially roses to keep bug off. Better than any pesticides.

booksfeedthemind avatar
Donna Leske
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

? So smokers can "feel good" about recycling cigarette butts as they pollute the air we all have to breathe AND up medical costs for everyone? Plus every package and envelope that is transported by any carrier burns fossil fuel.

nehru avatar
Brenda Swann
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am tired of cigarette butts going into the sewers, that eventually fish, birds, and humans drink. It should be mandatory for cigarette packages are sold in this as a wrapper.

alisonbrohman avatar
Alison Brohman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TerraCycle, as Leyla Ayad mentioned, turns them into benches and other items because the cigarette butts are partly made of plastic! :(

shelleyjennings avatar
Shelley Jennings
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

babacaine avatar
Baba Caine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This good idea as recycled butts go into making cigarette stump ash trays for use in parks

christopherchangpengyen avatar
Christopher Chang Peng Yen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe if don't smoke, then there is no need to recycle? It is bad for health anyway, and also affect other people around from second-hand smoke.

trudeau333 avatar
Johanne Trudeau
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Call me paranoid, but they've got my DNA there!!! Not too sure I like this... Either way don't smoke anymore...

abentley727 avatar
Ann-Marie Bentley
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sure they have better things to do. Besides they shouldn't be able to pick up any other details about you like name because you don't fill in your details..

Load More Replies...
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm skeptical. I was unaware that anything could be done with them, and they are full of chemicals that have been sucked through them. Time to Google it.

monika-soffronow avatar
Monika Soffronow
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

TerraCycle.com Unfortunately, they are in very few countries and in most of the countries they are in, the cig recycling is not an option. I hope this will expand!

Load More Replies...
t-arch301 avatar
Tambot
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Im sorry, this is a bit ridiculous. I agree they should go in the garbage and not on the ground, but recycled? The postage paid pouch is probably made up of more paper products than the butts themselves!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#28

My Shoes Came With A “Handle” Rather Than Being Packed In A One Time Use Bag

My Shoes Came With A “Handle” Rather Than Being Packed In A One Time Use Bag

notloh Report

Add photo comments
POST
sistence avatar
Lenka Smetanová
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

nice if you bought just one pair of shoes... Will look like a christmas tree if bought three or more :D :D

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Throw And Grow Confetti

Throw And Grow Confetti

magicaldaydream , Niko Niko Report

Add photo comments
POST
veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why do you even have plastic confetti? Ours has always been made from paper, not plastic.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Disposable Bowl Made Out Of Nothing But Three Pressed Leaves, Sturdy Despite Being Fastened Together With Just A Small Bamboo Pin. Used By Street Food Vendors In India

Disposable Bowl Made Out Of Nothing But Three Pressed Leaves, Sturdy Despite Being Fastened Together With Just A Small Bamboo Pin. Used By Street Food Vendors In India

9999monkeys Report

Add photo comments
POST
bhuvy25 avatar
Bhuvy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's for Pani Puri (a snack) and with these pressed leaves they also make disposable plates

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

A New Question Is Up On Our Cigarette Voting Bin On Villiers Street

A New Question Is Up On Our Cigarette Voting Bin On Villiers Street

hubbubuk Report

#32

The Water Taps At This Cafe Drip Onto Plants To Not Waste Water

The Water Taps At This Cafe Drip Onto Plants To Not Waste Water

halfandhafu Report

#33

They Had A Bike At My School To Blend A Smoothie That They Were Handing Out At Lunch

They Had A Bike At My School To Blend A Smoothie That They Were Handing Out At Lunch

_Nrpdude_ Report

#34

This Coffee Cup Is Made From Recycled Coffee Grounds

This Coffee Cup Is Made From Recycled Coffee Grounds

basicallytraveling Report

#35

Eco-Friendly Eggs Packaging

Eco-Friendly Eggs Packaging

Maja Szczypek Report

Add photo comments
POST
jitka-zachova avatar
Pamela24
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The paper ones are actually quite eco-friendly too (not the plastic ones) because it's a way to reuse even a couple of times recycled paper that has little to no other uses. :)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#37

This Office Is Made Up Of Old Shipping Containers

This Office Is Made Up Of Old Shipping Containers

jw2498 Report

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#38

This Sketchbook Made From Real Recycled Circuit Boards

This Sketchbook Made From Real Recycled Circuit Boards

sparaticRyan Report

#39

My New Dentist Has Their Forms Laminated To Reduce Paper Waste By Simply Plugging In And Wiping Off

My New Dentist Has Their Forms Laminated To Reduce Paper Waste By Simply Plugging In And Wiping Off

kaconal Report

Add photo comments
POST
emiamohler avatar
SirPatTheCat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wait why are they giving you a sharpie then? I understand it shouldn't wipe off when your hand crosses over it but wouldn't it be better to use a water washable dry erase markers? Because sharpies are made to be permanent after they dry?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Resealable Cans Of Water

Resealable Cans Of Water

Noremac77 Report

Add photo comments
POST
crisbarriuso avatar
Miss Cris
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also have one single bottle that I always refill with tap water. This one is a very good idea, where can we get one?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#41

The Paper Tag Attached To My New Pan Can Be Planted To Grow Herbs

The Paper Tag Attached To My New Pan Can Be Planted To Grow Herbs

trytoholdon Report

Add photo comments
POST
taraliasemail avatar
Tara
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Has anyone ever tried this? I’m curious how much they grow. It’s a cool idea

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

My School Fights Littering By Installing Basketball Hoops Above Trash Cans

My School Fights Littering By Installing Basketball Hoops Above Trash Cans

Oltarus Report

#43

This Bag Of Old/Stained Face Towels Have Been Re-Used As “Rags” At This Hotel

This Bag Of Old/Stained Face Towels Have Been Re-Used As “Rags” At This Hotel

SlipperyPockets Report

Add photo comments
POST
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take my own washing items when I travel. They fit in a tiny bag. Hand-crocheted cotton washcloths and my own shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. This is also a great idea. Next they need to stop with the cutesy individual items in the bathroom and just have the bulk pumps on the wall.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#44

This Sink Counter At A Brewery Is Made With Recycled Beer Bottles

This Sink Counter At A Brewery Is Made With Recycled Beer Bottles

bukithd Report

Add photo comments
POST
veni_vidi_vicky avatar
Vicky Zar
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But glass bottles are beeing recycled already.... Or is that not so in the US?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#45

The Beach I’m At Has A List Of Commonly Found Garbage And How Long It Takes For It To Decompose

The Beach I’m At Has A List Of Commonly Found Garbage And How Long It Takes For It To Decompose

TookMeEonsToMakeThis Report

Note: this post originally had 100 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda