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Have you ever considered how much plastic you use every single day? A takeaway coffee cup, plastic water bottles, single-use cutlery, plastic bags for your fruits and vegetables... These are a couple examples of waste that every single one of us could easily reduce in our day-to-day lives. Now, more than ever before, people are beginning to understand the terrible impact these products have on the planet, and one thing we can't argue about is- it's time to make a change. This list compiled by Bored Panda shows creative ways people have decided to help mother earth by reducing their waste. Let's hope this will inspire you to be the change our planet desperately needs!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Confetti Made From Fallen Leaves! Loved This Zero-Waste Decoration Idea
Daria B 6 years ago
Curious, why are they called confetti in English? In Italian, these are called coriandoli and they're made of paper. Confetti are some kind of fancy hard candy made of almonds, and are usually given as presents at weddings.
Dani 6 years ago
“Confetti” is English for coriandoli. So these are like the paper bits, only in America they’re usually plastic so this helps reduce plastic usage :)
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DCC India 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing the blog and for all the good you are doing work.https://www.zerowasterecycler.com zero_waste...20-png.jpg 
DCC India 5 years ago
Thanks for sharing the blog and for all the good you are doing work. Waste-Segr...65ef4e.jpg 
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#2
This Guy's Fence Is Made From Random Doors
James McMonigle 6 years ago
Maybe we can use old doors to build "The Wall".
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Sonya Jersey 6 years ago
imagine if all of the doors opened to other worlds, that would be cool
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
i wonder if any of them are actually used as gates? very neat; love the concept, but i would have to paint mine all the same color
#3
My Tour Guide's Tool For Picking Up Littered Bottles Along The Trail
Dark_Woodland_Fox 6 years ago
I think its a she. Look at the hair in the corner
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Kaneelbroodje 6 years ago
This shouldn't be necessary if people just clean up there own mess :(
Marilyn Holt 6 years ago
I used to try doing this when walking my dog along the train tracks. I just used a large plastic bag though, lol. This idea is much better.
#4
Taking A Stand
pusheen buttercup 6 years ago
isn't it better to use a paper cup than a plastic one? what about the factories that are making the ceramic ones? I'm confused
#5
My Mom’s Husband Is A Pilot So He Wraps All His Gifts In Old Flight Maps
Elke Bechtoldt 6 years ago
I use old catalogues from my favourite designer Gurdrun Sjöden. They're very colourful and look gorgeous as gift wrappings.
#6
We Detrashed A Lake In Texas! 4,000 Pounds Of Beer Bottles And Beer Cans. With About 30 Scuba Divers And 4 Boats. Did It In About 4 Hours
Kjorn 6 years ago
people are such a*****e! is this too hard to keep your beer bottle in your boat and then throw it in a garbage?
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
Bottle aren't as bad as cans. If you break the bottles and drop them in the ocean (somewhere deep, not where people swim or dive to the bottom), they'll be pretty beach glass one day.
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Nick Banner 6 years ago
Maybe a good training exercise for people wanting to get their dive licences.
#7
Didn't Want To Waste The Failed Films So I Turned Them Into Little Paintings
#8
My Pantry After Harvest Season Is Finally Over
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
ahhh, something near & dear to my heart! i love canning and still do it. more people really should, not just to reduce waste, but also to eat healthier/better meals. it is time-consuming, but the end result is too wonderful to pass up. i'm retired now, but still managed to do at least a little bit of canning when i was working full-time. the world needs more 'canning parties!'
Just another bot 6 years ago
Wow what dedication, I'm sure this took plenty of time. Too bad our modern society is forgetting these skills. Home made is best.
#9
Turning Christmas Cards Into Tags For Next Year
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
I do this every year. I also try not to use wrapping paper. One year I managed to wrap everything in fabric, or christmas tea-towels or pillowcases. The fabric can be re-used and the tea-towels and pillowcases can be part of the gift. Googe furoshiki.
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Toni Tangents 6 years ago
I used to do this. Perhaps I will start again now that its 'cool'... It used to be just 'cheap'!!
Kelly Dean 6 years ago
My mother was doing this when I was a kid 35 years ago. I still do this!
Stefanie Stokes 6 years ago
Been doing that for years, some of the pictures are just too nice to throw out.
Susann Campbell 6 years ago
My mother did this in the nineteen fifty's and still does it. I have followed my mother and even framed a few Christmas Cards.
Just another bot 6 years ago
I admit being an awful greeting card hoarder, can't bring myself to throw them away. Is hoarding eco-friendly too? Lol
#10
My Mom Is Slowly Knitting A Scarf Made Completely From Tea Bag Strings
Sally Miller 6 years ago
I love thinking of the cups of tea she had along the way, what convos she might have had over them, who she drinks tea with... what a nice way to keep something <3
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
What does she do with the paper tags? Making a scarf out of biodegradable cotton strings is....greenwashing.
Just another bot 6 years ago
I think being passionate about knitting she just does it for fun and didn't want to waste the strings
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#11
Stuffed Whales Made From Old Jeans
Night Owl 6 years ago
also as beautiful decorative and/or back support pillows
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Aleksandra 6 years ago
OMG i love them, are you selling them somewhere or maybe is the pattern somewhere online?
Marilyn Holt 6 years ago
old jeans are the best! I do book covers, shopping bags, etc from old denim.
#12
Here Is My Old Music Used As Wrapping Paper
Pseudo Puppy 6 years ago
i worked in a high-end stationary store, that sold paper like this, for $8 a sheet..... crazy, huh?
#13
Make A Baby Dress Out Of An Old Button-Up Shirt
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
great idea--sewing, or rather learning, is high on my list of things to do!
Darryl Kerrigan 6 years ago
It's great. I'm making a poncho for Glastonbury festival :)
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Rafaella Bueno 6 years ago
I lack the skills for this, so I just use the old shirt as a cleaning cloth or something similar
A B C 6 years ago
Then learn it. I bought a sewing machine two years ago, and by now I'm thinking about sewing a cost, which is considered to be the hardest thing to sew by many.
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Jilltdcatlady 6 years ago
I think I saw this idea for ... women in third world countries maybe. A program to provide skills and supplies to sell to support their family. And provide free clothes for their growing children.
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
My grandmother grew up in dresses like this. It's called being born in the Depression.
Alejandra Acosta 6 years ago
Abd with the sleeves you can make the cutest trouser for your little boy. I upcycle every cloth item hehehe
#14
Had A Friend Complain About Straw Bans Saying That They’re Not Even A Real Litter/Marine Debris Issue
So I did a quick 10 minute sweep of 300ft of shoreline to prove them wrong.
Alejandra Acosta 6 years ago
Is there a straw ban? Where? That's amazing. Where i live they are always giving you straws...
Kaneelbroodje 6 years ago
There will be a ban in the EU starting 2021 on disposable plastic like plates, straws, cups, cutlery. And this includes more like Styrofoam, stirrers, cotton swabs, those plastic sticks they put on balloons, thin plastic bags. :) Also the manufacturers of sigaret, balloons and some drinks and food packaging companies have to pay for the cleaning cost of litter! :)
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Carol Emory 6 years ago
I now have a re-usable straw in my purse. Came with a cloth sleeve and a brush to clean it. $5 at the local juice bar. Well worth it not to throw straws away.
Bunzilla 6 years ago
I tried to use metal straws.... and I have to admit, I HATED them. They imparted a flavour to whatever I was drinking that was, frankly, nasty. (I'm a supertaster) SO! Instead, I bought some hardened glass straws, and I LOVE them :D They're surprisingly sturdy, have nice rounded ends, are reusable, and I imagine that so long as I don't break them, they may last even longer than the metal straws. I just toss them in my dishwasher's cutlery basket, and they come out clean. I've even got a little case for my purse so I can carry them with me wherever I go.
Renee Gauthier 6 years ago
We just ordered metal straws. My boyfriend was going to make some using brake line, but it was cheaper to order actual straws.
Bunzilla 6 years ago
Plus, I would imagine that the metal would actually be food-grade too :P
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Stefanie Stokes 6 years ago
Obviously there are good alternatives like metal and glass and the above image is horrible but many disabled people still need bendable plastic straws to be able to eat or drink independently. Alternatives can provide hazards such as poor temperature conduction, breaking, not able to be positioned, hard materials that can cause injury when bitten down on, the person's ability to regularly sterilise materials such as silicone - if they don't have an allergy.
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Did she pick up all the water bottles, too? Banning plastic straws is a meaningless way to look as if you're doing something while still letting companies like Coke and bottled water companies to escape all consequences. ...///... If you want to make a REAL impact - ban all plastic drink bottles. By promoting the straw bans, you're playing right into the hands of the REAL polluters and filling the bottling company's pockets.
Bunzilla 6 years ago
Well, Plastic bags are also a big issue. Plastic bags, plastic bottles, and plastic straws should really all be banned. If we want to use plastic bottles, we should make them out of bioplastics, which biodegrade.
Load More Replies... #15
Got My First Sewing Machine For Christmas, Made “Unpaper” Towels To Reduce Our Paper Towel Waste. They Clasp Together So It's Easy To Know Which Are Clean
Toni Tangents 6 years ago
But then you use more energy and water to clean them. So is this really a good idea? I don't know.
Just JoLynn 6 years ago
It takes a lot more water to grow new trees than it does to wash your rags, and there is such a thing as clean energy.
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2-10-11 6 years ago
You made my day! Unpaper towels..... but it makes her feel good, so
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Sue Grigg 6 years ago
I think you'd have to wash these often which would probably be more damaging to the environment than throwing away biodegradable paper towels.
Basil 6 years ago
Think about all the energy it takes not just to grow the trees to make paper towels, but manufacture them in a factory, ship them to warehouses via trucks, then on more trucks to various stores, etc. Plus, it's not as if you're washing these separately. You would be throwing them in with with towels or other loads you'd be doing anyway- the extra amount of energy being used is essentially non-existent. Just saying, your argument doesn't hold water.
Load More Replies... Jenna Howe 6 years ago
We get the big pack of white shop towels / bar towels at Costco. I use them to clean up the kitchen, the floor, whatever. Do a load about once a week. There's a stack of them in a kitchen drawer and we use them freely. If we do use some for something to vile or volatile to go through the wash, it can go in the trash - but we usually put aside the most worn out ones for that.
Patrick O'Harris 6 years ago
That's a great idea. I made bags out of old shirts (that dont fit me anymore) for christmas so we dont have to wrap stuff in paper anymore. Worked pretty well.
#16
Needed An Organiser So I Made One Out Of Cardboard Instead Of Purchasing One
varwenea 6 years ago
Marie Kondo would ask, "Does every one of those pens spark joy?"
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Gracie Mae 6 years ago
and if you don't like the plain look, you can always use some decorative duct tape or paint! (i've done both)
Stina Kolling 6 years ago
I have the same pocketknife. My dad found it while metal detecting. My friend ALSO has the same pocketknife, ALSO found whilst out & about on the opposite side of the country. Now I see the same pocketknife here & I must ask: was it too a found object?
#17
I Hadn't Used My Reusable Bags Because I'm Pretty Socially Anxious And Was Worried About The Cashier Being Frustrated. But Used This For The First Time Today!
Bobbi Newell 6 years ago
Having worked in customer service and as a cashier at a fabric store, I helped a lot of people who made and used their own bags. I've got my reusables too. Please be assured that it's not a burden or a frustration! Reusable bags are so prevalent now that cashiers take it in stride. I still love scoping out the bags that others use/have made for ideas!
Michelle Line 6 years ago
I have several bags I take into all stores where I'm purchasing something that would go in them. These bags are more rigid, kinda like a cloth storage cube but with carrying straps. I never use plastic bags anymore.
Amanda Kirby 6 years ago
As a cashier, I love love love customers who use these. Thank you!! Please encourage others to do so.
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
Not something I've ever considered in the 15 years I've been using mesh fruit/vege bags but this person has anxiety to deal with so give them a break. I guess they worried, their bags being quite opaque, that the cashier would have trouble telling what was in them.
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Christina Sersif 6 years ago
I don't care. I use reuseable bags. They hold more and I'm helping the environment, so a double win.
Blue Cicada 6 years ago
Ha ha! Quit telling yourself that you're diabetic and guess what? You won't be! Quit telling yourself you have arthritis and guess what? You won't!
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A Customer From Work Made A Reusable Bag From Hundreds Of Plastic Ones
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
i've heard about things like this--great idea! in my area, a group even knits mats out of them for homeless people in the area.
Cassie 6 years ago
For anybody interested, you can find the instructions for making yarn out of plastic bags by searching the term "PLARN".
Naima Ivansdóttir 6 years ago
a friend of mine gave me a bag made out of plastic coffee pod wraps. she sews them herself. i've been using to bring luch to work for the last two years
Daria B 6 years ago (edited)
It's much simpler to sell a fabric shopping bag (which they do, at least in Korea) than tell a poor cashier to stay after hours unpaid to knit those..... (Yeah... I might sound a bit pessimistic, but that's more likely to happen than hiring an additional team dedicated to knitting these, or even robots to do it instead. For now, at least.)
Load More Replies... Nick Banner 6 years ago
Do the maths, a person has converted 100's of bags into 1 ... brilliant, you couldn't reuse the original bags?
Load More Replies... Amanda Kirby 6 years ago
In Pennsylvania it's really common to see all sorts of woven goods made from old bags like this tote or even rugs. Omas are savvy.
#19
Small Wins: Convincing The Ice Cream Shop To Let Me Have It In My Reusable Cup Instead Of A Disposable Cup. The Guy Looked So Confused When I Asked!
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
i don't know why some businesses are against this (laws, maybe? idk), but i think they pay more for the container than they do the product that goes into it. allowing customers to bring their own containers benefits us all, at least twofold--less waste & higher profit margin. i know part of the reluctance to get on board has to be regulating the size of the containers that the customer brings, but surely that can be figured out.
Caridina Japonica 6 years ago
Probably hygienic standards. When a coffee company (sells, uses and) reuses coffee mugs, they must clean it before filling it up, because if YOUR mug was not clean and YOU get sick afterwards, THEY are responsible. Cleaning customer's cups consumes time, energy, water, maybe even nerves... Not sure if this is the case everywhere, but heard it from many directions.
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Naomi Armitage 6 years ago
I'm a big diet soda freak (not healthy, I know, another time), and I have my own reusable mug I take practically everywhere. It bugs me that places with self-serve fountain sodas (Wawa, 7-11, QuikChek, etc.) won't let me fill my mug for a reduced price--I have to buy their cups and fill them, then I end up dumping them into my big mug. Especially since I know that their cups are inventory and they have to charge for them. Save us BOTH money, dudes!
rhyan lumilay 6 years ago
I always have my dirty ice cream in a mug instead of plastic cups then tossed with cone or bun :-)
Kevin Braid 6 years ago
they should offer it slightly cheaper when u bring your own reusable container, would help this catch on and become a thing
#20
No More Plastic Bottles In The Shower
Kaisu Rei 6 years ago
This is a serious question, but aren't these terribly unhygienic though? If I was a guest somewhere, I don't think I would be comfortable using the same bar of soap and shampoo as all the previous guests before me
Martha Gooding 6 years ago
You guys need to check out cleantheworld.org. About Clean the World: Clean the World is dedicated to saving millions of lives around the world while simultaneously diverting hotel waste from landfills. On average, more than 5,000 children die every day from hygiene-related illnesses, primarily pneumonia and diarrheal disease, which are two of the top killers of children under the age of 5. Since 2009, Clean the World has contributed to a 30 percent reduction in pre-adolescent deaths from hygiene-related illnesses by providing soap and hygiene education to make hand washing a lifelong habit and encourage vigorous childhood development.
Amanda Ford 6 years ago
How would you wash your hair with a bar of soap? That's the only thing I need a plastic bottle for is shampoo and conditioner.
MidgetDogg 6 years ago
There are shampoo and conditioner bars. I used them and my hair has never been healthier.
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Rachel Bednarek 2 years ago
Bar shampoo and conditioner are horrible! Unfortunately I’ll stick with my bottles for that.
Trina Lorigan 6 years ago
There was a time when we brought soap in a soap dish when traveling. No big deal people. Liquid soaps of all kinds are incredibly wasteful and entirely unnecessary.
Alison Rose 6 years ago
Lol at the people who stick their soap directly where the sun don't shine. Do you seriously not being your own products when you're a guest? I choose to lather the bar on my hands or washcloth, it doesn't touch my, er, crevices directly. Shampoo and conditioner bars, and everyone gets their own. Love it!
#21
Had A Volunteer Help Me Make These Stools Out Of Our Discarded Books For New Library Seating
varwenea 6 years ago
I ache a bit seeing books destroyed. But if there are no other avenues for them, then this is good for the library.
Nikki D 6 years ago
Me too, but I have tons of books that literally no one will take just using up all my space. Still can't throw them out, though.
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ZombieGirl5591 6 years ago
Or donate them to prisons or poorer neighborhood schools, etc. These are cute for books that are ruined though (missing pages, rot, etc.)
BicPentameter 6 years ago
Even poor kids deserve up-to-date books. "Someday man will walk on the moon" helps no one.
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Enuya 6 years ago (edited)
I don't like this one. OK, it looks cool, but I hate to look at destroyed books. I'm sure that there still are people who would want to read them - in hospitals, orphanages, prisons... or simply literature lovers who would buy them by internet or on sale. There is NO thing like unwanted book!
BicPentameter 6 years ago
Weeding books is a critical part of librarianship. Outdated or damaged books, for example, must go. All books possible are donated / sold.
#22
Turned Old Uniforms Into A Bed Cover For Our Foster Kittens. Cuts Down On Washing Too
Just another bot 6 years ago
Not only did they reuse the uniforms, but they also made the bed extra comfy by the looks of it
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
Doubly great - reusing/upcycling, and fostering a kitty family.
#23
We Wrap Our Holiday Gifts In Fabric And Reuse It Every Year. No Tape Or Paper Trash And It Looks So Much Nicer Too
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
I'm guessing the ribbon holds it all together? i'm not good at wrapping to begin with, but this sounds like a great idea
Cassie 6 years ago
Yes, or look up "Furoshiki" to learn some folding techniques!
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Dr. Carlos Dangercat 6 years ago
My family has been passing around the same set of gift bags back and forth for about ten years.
Naima Ivansdóttir 6 years ago
knot wraps ARE a thing. there's plenty of shops that will wrap your purchases in fabrics you can re-use too
Rafaella Bueno 6 years ago
This one is a really good idea. They can use the cloth for something else afterwards, or wrap their own gifts later.
Susan Reid Smith 6 years ago
I make zipper or draw string bags and use them the same way. The bags can be part of the gift.
Jillian Dooley 6 years ago
I use scrap fabric turned into scarves to wrap gifts - 2 gifts in one!
#24
All Of This Year's Christmas Presents Wrapped Using White Paper From 1 Amazon Delivery Box
Naima Ivansdóttir 6 years ago
and if you're not "artistic" you can just use some watercolors or poster paint
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diane a 6 years ago
Amazon packaging is ridiculous (Not ordered anything for a year so might have improved) Large box and loads of packing filler for a couple of tiny things.
Stina Kolling 6 years ago
It's because the workers in charge of packing have such high production demands that they only have milliseconds to decide on a box & fill it. Taking time to pick & choose means getting fired.
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spirit wolf 6 years ago
It's a back massaging hook and may I just say, it is heaven sent.
Load More Replies... Viviane Katz 6 years ago
I stopped wrapping gifts. I take them out of a bag and hand them out along with a line: "Are your cats conspiring to kill you in your sleep? According to this book, yes." "Those who like horses are condemned to get books about horses." And so on...
Just another bot 6 years ago
Very curious about the strange looking present at the back....I wonder what it is :D
Tiny Dynamine 6 years ago
Yes, it says they are such a rich company that they think they don't have to worry about being ethical.
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#25
Used Some Leftover Yarn To Make Crochet Produce Bags
Posted to Snapchat and 10 mins later I have 45 orders of them (and counting) for friends and family wanting to cut the plastic!
Bored Fox 6 years ago
Bags like these are quite easy to make by yourself. I remember when bags like this were really popular in 1990's so our teacher at school told told us how to crochet your own bag.
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#26
We Enjoy Our Zero-Plastic Alternatives For Holding Home-Made Shampoo And Shower Gel. It Helps Our House Look More Rock 'N Roll
Jilltdcatlady 6 years ago
Back in the day products were sold in glass bottles. Dropping a glass bottle of shampoo turned into a murder scene. Sorry, not going back to that.
Bobbi Newell 6 years ago
I admire your wish to go plastic-free, but I'd hesitate to put a tall glass bottle like that in the bathroom. If it fell on the tile it could spell disaster for bare feet. I'd consider repurposing recyclable plastic bottles which you could refill over and over - you could probably even get empties from friends or family members. If they ever do break or wear out, put them in the recycling bin, and start again with fresh "donations."
Baked Panda 6 years ago
My only concern with this idea is broken glass in the shower... still clever
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
I have several lamps that I inherited from Grandma. Several of them are "upcycled" items - a large wine bottle, a wallpaper printing roll, a tea caddy.
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Nicely tacky. At least maybe your friends will notice and buy you better quality booze in the future.
#27
Update: ~400 T-Shirt Pieces, Now A Quilt Top
Joelyn Kitzmiller 6 years ago
This is great! My kids were rowers and they bought a t-shirt for each regatta. A quilt from those would have been fun!
Camilla Marthedal Knudsen 6 years ago
Couldn't make the photo thingy work 🙄
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#28
My Friends Smoked A 20 Lb Turkey For Their Halloween Party. After They Carved It They Were Going To Throw The Carcass Away
I took it home with me and made 14 pints of turkey stock.
Stille20 6 years ago
WHAT!? It's crazy to me that people will pay big bucks for organic bone broth when they can make it so easily. I envy your stock.
Helen Cole 6 years ago
I take the carcass home from family Thanksgiving dinner. Lovingly place it in a hottub on the stove, Spice/herb it up, let cool. Take the fat out and make turkey noodle soup. Or cook rice or quinoa in the broth. The broth freezes well, too. We also get the wish bone.
Amanda Ford 6 years ago
My mom always wraps up the turkey bones and gives it to my Gma to take home on Thanksgiving.
Debrah Roemisch 6 years ago
If you don't want to can, it freezes well too. I re -use quart size yogurt containers to freeze stock and soup in. And of course never buy single serving yogurt--what a waste that it!
Renee Gauthier 6 years ago
I was so sad my son-in-law through away our ham bone from Thanksgiving. It makes the BEST soup!
Blubber Dust 6 years ago
.... Hey I'm not that intelligent, so please tell me what you are planning on doing with that..
Puna 6 years ago
Use it in place of store bought stock/broth, soups, cook rice in it for flavor, gravy, & etc.
Load More Replies... #29
I'm Never Going Back To Wrapping Paper! Used A Grocery Bag And Some String And Decided To Add An Origami Cutie To The Top
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
looking forward to the day that stores start asking "paper or plastic" again! paper bags are SO useful in upcycling
hobbitly 6 years ago
When they ask 'paper of plastic' you say 'none, I brought my own reusable bag'.
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Gracie Mae 6 years ago
also great for wrapping presents--then decorating yourself! use crayons, markers, paint, stickers--whatever; personalize it for the recipient.
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RobotPuppy5000 6 years ago
Where i live plastic bags are banned! (When i found that out i cheered)
#30
I Think I'm Going To Stop Buying (New) Clothes. Made This From A $4 Shirt
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
if i was better at sewing, i would definitely do this (i love Pinterest for ideas like this)!
Pseudo Puppy 6 years ago
it's all about practice. First time I tried to do a collar, it took me three days... now it takes 20 mins at most. :)
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Naomi Armitage 6 years ago
I know, I'm thinking it some huge shirt. I'm already huge, so this doesn't work for me.
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Luther von Wolfen 5 years ago
I've been buying all my clothes from thrift stores for 30 years.
Stefanie Stokes 6 years ago
Honestly these sort of things annoy me. You have a small female taking larger sized clothes and making them smaller and cuter. She states this shirt cost $4, I'd be surprised if she couldn't find a new top or dress for less than $10 whereas the larger size person that may have bought this shirt would be looking at at least $20 for one shirt new thanks to the pain in the butt fat tax. Just please leave the bigger clothes to the bigger people that need them.
#31
I Made A Holder For Reusable Chopsticks, Silverware, And Straw That Doubles As A Cloth Napkin When Unfolded
#32
I'm Going To Be Wrapping My Gifts In Furoshiki From Now On
I love the idea of each person receiving a gift in their furoshiki and then using it to wrap a gift for someone else - how far will it travel?
nanashi 6 years ago
In Asia (at least the SE Asia where I'm from) wrapping food in cloth is common, but I never thought it could be used for gifts. the idea could work I guess.
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Selling beautiful pieces of fabric for gift wrapping is big business in Japan. Cotton, silk, and pieces of worn out antique kimonos are the usual things they use. They're gorgeous. I know one woman who gave her granddaughters each a pair of pearl earrings...wrapped in Hermes scarves.
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YurionIceFan 6 years ago
They actually do this at Lush, which is a store that sells things like soap, shampoo, bath bombs, lip scrubs, face masks, etc.
#33
I Made Shampoo Bars: Total Cost For A Year Supply Was About $20, And No More Plastic Bottles
Peko 6 years ago
Be very very careful with any soap making. If it goes wrong it can go very wrong.
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Rob Chew 6 years ago
Would be nice, but that's more than I pay for a year of shampoo anyway. My wife and I use 1 Costco bottle for a year. Cool concept though
The girl who wore glasses 6 years ago
I spend less than $20 per year on shampoo so not necessarily a good idea
#34
This Year I Made My Own Origami Pill Cases To Replace The Easily Broken Plastic Kind, And They Have Held Up Well
Sill Marien 6 years ago
so colorful and so sweet, but then again... if I have to travel (which happens a lot) I'd still prefer much smaller and safely closed plastic one
Rage Racer 6 years ago
Until introduced to a humid environment and all the gel capsules start to melt due to the lack of any sort of seal.
Naomi Armitage 6 years ago
Or it gets squished. That was my first concern.
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First Name 6 years ago
Cute, but let's not kid ourselves. Plastic is far more durable and practical for this purpose.
Freya the Wanderer 6 years ago
OMG you have to take a lot of pills! I know several people who are like this - one lady takes as many as 16 pills a day. Wonder how she has any room in her stomach for food.
Joy Kinas 6 years ago
Better living through better chemistry. Pills are not bad. Life savers in many instances. Vitamins. Supplements. Don't judge. You have no idea.
Load More Replies... #35
Local Custom: Around Here People Put Out Spare Veg From Their Garden For Anyone To Help Themselves
Jody Brown 6 years ago
We walk around with a wagon. "Want bananas?" "No, get plenty." "Want bananas?" "No, get choke." "Want bananas? Please take some bananas." Then we leave the rest on the bench at dog park or Ho'okipa beach.
Hard 2 Guess 6 years ago
I wish you were in my neighborhood, I'd gladly take some bananas.
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Enuya 6 years ago
What a nice neighbourhood! We had similiar custom in by boarding school - there was one shelf in the fridge where students could put their unwanted food. If you were hungry, you could always take something from there.
Ms Phit 6 years ago
That's what they do at my son's school...they have a sharing table. So important! That way there's always food available for anyone who's hungry (without the kid having to go ask for food and feel bad because they might live in a family with economic problems)
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Kahla Wood 6 years ago
My apt does this with canned food and breads. I made a cabneit and put it in there with leave some take some and it's spread to the other complexes as well
Carol Emory 6 years ago
Starting in Spain and Germany, communities set up refrigerators that would hold food donations. people could come help themselves if they were low on funds. I've also seen stations where people can donate their unused water (pour it in a spout) that would fill a dog bowl for street dogs. And then when you put the bottle in the slot to recycle it, the machine would produce dog food for the pups as well.
Ms Phit 6 years ago
Yes, we are our neighborhood "peach fairy" during years we have a great harvest I confess I do hold on to a lot myself for snacks And fresh peach cobblers OMG YUM! (Can't wait for the harvest this spring! We missed it last year because we were traveling- the house sitter enjoyed them, but didn't take full advantage. Kind of pissed me off- wasting those beautiful fruits
#36
The Chairs In My Garden Are Made Out Of Shopping Trolleys
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
that's a new twist on them! have to wonder how much work it was to do? (and hoping that they were acquired legally...lol)
#37
My Boyfriend Uses Lip Balm Religiously. I Saved His Used Tubes For The Last Year And Today I Am Re-Using Them! I Found A Recipe For Lip Balm On Pinterest
Cat on a bike 6 years ago
What I'm really amazed about is that he manages to finish them before he looses them. I never get to finish any, I loose them someway or another.
Naima Ivansdóttir 6 years ago
i've been making my own lip balm since over a decade, it's immensely cheaper than buying and you get a much better product!
Anne 6 years ago
Would you mind sharing a recipe that works well? I have a tiny tin to put it in, just finished my last Rosebud Salve.
Load More Replies... Daria B 6 years ago
Plausible. In my case, one lasts me 1 month, more or less. That would be 12 a year. If he uses them THAT much... Plus, if he lost one or two...
Load More Replies... Martha Meyer 6 years ago
Just use vaseline. It's much cheaper and works better. Also come in huge tubs, so less plastic waste.
Broken Bay 6 years ago
I approve of this in theory, but how did he use that many and also not lose them?
#38
Went To A Party That Had A Big Recycling Can For Bottles, And A Small Recycling Can For Bottle Caps
Rage Racer 6 years ago
Ohhhh the irony of creating something out of plastic that has very limited usage to promote recycling.
Alex Dierkes 6 years ago
It's the thought that counts and the principal. Most people don't even think twice about it. Just be happy people like that exist to give a s**t about more than themselves
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Matt Hollis 6 years ago
Cool but isn't that just additional plastic in the world in the form of thousands of little bins that will no doubt end up in the ground or sea?
Alex Dierkes 6 years ago
The plastic is most likely recyclable. Especially that kind of plastic. Think about it before you bash that for no damn reason. It's the thought that counts and the principal. Most people don't even think twice about it. Just be happy people like that exist to give a s**t about something more and bigger than themselves. Damn people
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
Lids can't be recycled everywhere. I know that Chicago won't take them.
Alex Dierkes 6 years ago
I'm sure you can find some place that does. Every state has outlets for every recycled item that the state recycling program doesn't take.
Load More Replies... #39
Might Not Look The Prettiest But My Sewing Project So Far, Making Face Cleaner Rounds And Other Cleaning Cloths From Old T-Shirts That Can’t Be Given To Charity
Sonia Reddel 6 years ago
Small cloths like these (and ribbons) can easily be sucked into your washing machine's filter. They stop the machine from working, so best wash them inside a laundry bag. I learned the hard way!
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
I want to do this, but fear the sewing will be too fiddly. I assume you have to stitch the edges to stop fraying.
#40
Cat Food Bag + Leftover Bag Handles From A Workshop = Reusable Grocery Bag With A Giant Cat Face On It
Gracie Mae 6 years ago
i do this with feed bags of all kinds; you can use old belts for the handles, or use part of the excess bag that is cut off. my mom uses them as 'tarps' on her outside bird cages.
Jilltdcatlady 6 years ago
I just fill the bag with the litter box clumps. The bag is secured well at thebottom so it doesn't rip . And i don'have to use a bunch, or as many plastic ones.
TheDivineMs.M 6 years ago
Not if you rinse it out a few times with soap and hot water
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#41
I Wanted To Buy Some Blueberries From The Farmers' Market But Didn’t Want Any Packaging And Forgot A Container. Used My Empty Water Bottle Instead
#42
I Love This Idea - A Dog Poop Bag Dispenser Attached To A Lamppost Made From A Plastic Bottle By Local Scouts
Matt Hollis 6 years ago
This always plays on my mind, I always clean up after my dog but i cant help but feel terrible for putting something naturally biodegradable into a plastic bag then burying it in the ground.
diane a 6 years ago
Sadly our town has zero dog poo bins. So nowhere for consciencous owners to deposit the waste - it just goes in normal litter bins.Even the most responsible dog owner will balk at walking round with dog poo for a couple of hours - my handbag is already full of c**p .. Lol
Rafaella Bueno 6 years ago
I feel you. If there are normal litter bins close by to throw the bag in I already consider myself lucky.
Load More Replies... Kaneelbroodje 6 years ago
We have special bins for dog poop, to bad a lot of owners here don't bother to clean up after there dog :(
Just another bot 6 years ago
Great effort. I love dogs and i know a lot of dog owners will scoop the poop, but there are those who never do, no matter what, they just look the other way and pretend they didn't notice. There's no law enforcement so good luck walking in the dark or dodging them with a buggie
Magdalina777 6 years ago
But...aren't those...plastic bags? The very plastic bags that won't fully degrade for centuries, slowly killing the nature? The core part of that big plastic pollution issue? At least dog poop would be completely naturally gone in a couple of months or less, as unpleasant as it might be to see=x
#43
1 Month Of Trash And Still Trying To Reduce
Debbie Andersson 6 years ago
How?? Food comes in sealed plasticbags and cardboardboxes?? Aside from veggies and fruit really.
Cassie 6 years ago
Iirc, this was from a post on Reddit from a university student. Several people pointed out that most of this person's waste is absorbed by the school, but I think getting in the habit even when it's easier is a step in the right direction.
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Astrid Nineor 6 years ago
Well, I don't know how things are wrapped in the stores over there, but you lived in Norway I'd have to assume you live of off fruit and potatoes, as nowdays almost anything else will be wrapped up in something :p
#44
Cutting Up Unused Mesh Curtains To Make Reusable Mesh Groceries Bags, With The Emotional Support Of My Furry Buddy
PyroarRanger 6 years ago
Might be a Scottish fold, or something like that
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Týna Ef 6 years ago
step one: remove the cat step two: cut the mesh step three: remove the cat....
Jilltdcatlady 6 years ago
Step four put the cat in the hallway. 5) repeat step 4 and check the door is closed. 6) turn up the radio to drown out cat
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#45
When You Just Have To Use Plastic Packaging, Don't Be Fooled When It's Seemingly Empty: If You Cut It Open, You'll See There's Still A Lot Left
Caroline Huot 6 years ago
YES! I always do that. People think I'm weird, but you can go such a long way. I do that with my medicated lip balm, my toothpaste, etc.
diane a 6 years ago
Do that too - even on seemingly empty shampoo and conditioner. Just add a little warm water, give it a a shake and theres a couple more uses in it.
2-10-11 6 years ago
I feel such a triumph when i stretch out soap and shampoo this way. Never cut open toothoadte though, have to consider that
Load More Replies... Naima Ivansdóttir 6 years ago
true! i keep some empty jars in the bathroom cupboard, so that i can store face cream and make up leftovers once i've cut their original dispensers open. if you don't store it properly it will quickly spoil
Naomi Armitage 6 years ago
I hate that, especially with things like eye drops and nose spray--they make it impossible to open so you get that last little bit out--if I'm successful, I manage to combine all those last little bits into one bottle.
#46
I Recycled My Families Old Socks
DonnerDinnerParty 3 years ago
What method or process was used to make this? Like, crocheting or knitting..?
Luther von Wolfen 5 years ago
I did a similar rug with T-shirts. It's a spiral rug, so I can add T-shirts and it'll get bigger.
#47
I Started Making A Basket Out Of All Of The Plastic Bags I've Been Hoarding
Tess the ferret 4 years ago
(sorry i feel like im being so stupid here) why are they the same colour and where on earth do you get brown plastic bags(like i said im being so stupid here but im also so confused)
#48
Zero Waste Win: It Took Some Serious Cajoling But I Convinced Superstore To Put My Deli Stuff Straight Into My Own Containers
diane a 6 years ago
Called "Tare weight" - the weight of the empty container, be it a ship or a tupperware box.
Natalia Shoemark 6 years ago
I work in a butcher shop and we have a button on our scales that tiers the weight of the container first
Hard 2 Guess 6 years ago
Problem is most locations just cant use these reusable containers due to food safety and health code regulations.
Vanessa Da-Sandwich 4 years ago
Why do stores have a problem with people trying to be sustainable?
Silly Face 6 years ago
Most places actually aren't allowed to refill containers that aren't both originally distributed by them and intended for reuse. This is part of FDA Food Code and many local regulators enforce that as part of local health code. So they aren't just being stubborn, you could get them in trouble with the health inspector.
RaroaRaroa 6 years ago
I've thought about this, but hadn't thought about them putting stickers on my containers. I hope they don't take too long to scrape off each time. Wouldn't put me off, just hadn't considered that until now.
Matt Hollis 6 years ago
You should change to stainless steel bento boxes, re usable plastic tubs like this have a very short lifespan.
Basil 6 years ago
I don't like the plastic ones either, but I wonder what your definition of a short lifespan is? We have a set just like the pictured red ones and we've probably had them 7-10 years now. We also have two original (!) Tupperware pieces from the 70s or earlier. So they can last if you buy good ones to start with and treat them with care. Still not great though, I agree.
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#49
Maybe Not The Most Ground Breaking Thing Ever But The Most Used Drinking Glasses In My House Are Just Old Pasta Sauce Jars
Caridina Japonica 6 years ago
We use mustard glasses. more comfortable because these are not threaded
Rafaella Bueno 6 years ago
Cream cheese cups here. We also store things in ice cream and margarine containers and jam and conserve jars etc
Load More Replies... Luther von Wolfen 5 years ago
I drink out of jars. Put a lid on and take it with you. Only problem is people thinking that your water is moonshine.
Bored Otto Werner 6 years ago
There used to be a Diner called "poor folks" using this as the Main Business idea.
#50
Instead Of Placing Garbage Cans Around This Beach, The City Made A Giant See-Through Fish With The Words "Goby Loves Plastic, Please Feed Him"
Kids enjoyed feeding him so much, that he's usually full by the end of the day
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What do you think ?
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
Looking at these pics just wondered how many paper is wasted in receipts. In some cases are useful, but should be optional.
Cassie 6 years ago
At some stores, if you have an account, they will send your receipt to email instead of printing it. If you use Walmart pay with your Walmart app, you can get a digital receipt. PetSmart and Home Depot also have this option. I'm sure there are others.
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Kiki 6 years ago
The ones involving plastic bags, unless you reuse them endlessly, they still end up in landfills. What are you going to do when that reusable bag made of disposable bags rips or falls apart? All it did was delay the inevitable.
Stina Kolling 6 years ago
If we keep delaying the inevitable, then it will slow the march towards the landfill whilst we come up with alternatives.
Load More Replies... GFSTaylor 6 years ago
Gift bags and the like regularly get traded back and forth between myself and some friends. There's some pretty, Christmassy tissue paper that has been going back and forth between me, Helen and Vikki for a few years now - it's almost part of Christmas, seeing it wrapping something.
Bunzilla 6 years ago
We re-use gift tissue paper a lot. You can actually iron it to make it look all smooth again :)
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Devin Robinson 6 years ago
I would love to go zero-waste, but in all honesty, I have found it to be very expensive
Honesty Olishia 6 years ago
And SO time consuming. I mean, making your own rug?? Honestly, I don't think I would have time for that.
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sunnyrei82 6 years ago
One of the hardest things on being on a zero-waste journey is that many of your friends start to see you as a crazy person. They don't get it. And you can feel kinda lonely. And it hurts to see how, even thou you give your best, many of them just don't give a F. And they simply don't want to make small important changes just because they're lazy. Sad.
Isabella A 5 years ago
This is such an inspiring post. I've already made some big consumer habit and household changes based on the ideas shared here.
Zahra Deen 6 years ago
I've found it so hard to find alternatives to plastic products when i first started to actively reduce my waste. I found this website which made it so much easier to do that and thought maybe it'll help you too - https://ecoalternatives.to/
Dianne Doxsee 6 years ago
Start thinking like your Grandparents. Perhaps they have told you stories about the Depression. My Grandmothers lived through this era. Nothing went to waste. Chicken and Turkey carcasses were used to make soup. Nothing tastes better. Look up recipes on the Internet. Use those glass bottles from pasta or jam to store the soup in the freezer. No plastic consumption here. I can make 10 jars of soup for about $4.00. You do the math. Intentionally buy meat on sale. When you cook it, cook extra so that you can make sandwiches from it for your “brown bag” lunch. I bought a lunch bag and glass and plastic containers that would fit into it. Make your own coffee or tea at home and take it to work with you in a metal thermos. I must admit that I buy a case of bottled water. I live on a well and if the powers goes out, I have no pump. I will use the bottles then. Spend some money and get yourself and insulated water bottle. Add ice and tap water and go. These can be washed.
Sergio Bicerra Descalzi 6 years ago
Looking at these pics just wondered how many paper is wasted in receipts. In some cases are useful, but should be optional.
Cassie 6 years ago
At some stores, if you have an account, they will send your receipt to email instead of printing it. If you use Walmart pay with your Walmart app, you can get a digital receipt. PetSmart and Home Depot also have this option. I'm sure there are others.
Load More Replies... Kiki 6 years ago
The ones involving plastic bags, unless you reuse them endlessly, they still end up in landfills. What are you going to do when that reusable bag made of disposable bags rips or falls apart? All it did was delay the inevitable.
Stina Kolling 6 years ago
If we keep delaying the inevitable, then it will slow the march towards the landfill whilst we come up with alternatives.
Load More Replies... GFSTaylor 6 years ago
Gift bags and the like regularly get traded back and forth between myself and some friends. There's some pretty, Christmassy tissue paper that has been going back and forth between me, Helen and Vikki for a few years now - it's almost part of Christmas, seeing it wrapping something.
Bunzilla 6 years ago
We re-use gift tissue paper a lot. You can actually iron it to make it look all smooth again :)
Load More Replies... Devin Robinson 6 years ago
I would love to go zero-waste, but in all honesty, I have found it to be very expensive
Honesty Olishia 6 years ago
And SO time consuming. I mean, making your own rug?? Honestly, I don't think I would have time for that.
Load More Replies... sunnyrei82 6 years ago
One of the hardest things on being on a zero-waste journey is that many of your friends start to see you as a crazy person. They don't get it. And you can feel kinda lonely. And it hurts to see how, even thou you give your best, many of them just don't give a F. And they simply don't want to make small important changes just because they're lazy. Sad.
Isabella A 5 years ago
This is such an inspiring post. I've already made some big consumer habit and household changes based on the ideas shared here.
Zahra Deen 6 years ago
I've found it so hard to find alternatives to plastic products when i first started to actively reduce my waste. I found this website which made it so much easier to do that and thought maybe it'll help you too - https://ecoalternatives.to/
Dianne Doxsee 6 years ago
Start thinking like your Grandparents. Perhaps they have told you stories about the Depression. My Grandmothers lived through this era. Nothing went to waste. Chicken and Turkey carcasses were used to make soup. Nothing tastes better. Look up recipes on the Internet. Use those glass bottles from pasta or jam to store the soup in the freezer. No plastic consumption here. I can make 10 jars of soup for about $4.00. You do the math. Intentionally buy meat on sale. When you cook it, cook extra so that you can make sandwiches from it for your “brown bag” lunch. I bought a lunch bag and glass and plastic containers that would fit into it. Make your own coffee or tea at home and take it to work with you in a metal thermos. I must admit that I buy a case of bottled water. I live on a well and if the powers goes out, I have no pump. I will use the bottles then. Spend some money and get yourself and insulated water bottle. Add ice and tap water and go. These can be washed.
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