40+ Easy Zero Waste Projects for the Home

Combine just a few ingredients to make a large batch of dishwasher detergent. Store it in a repurposed container or glass jar to avoid producing plastic waste. Your dishes will come out squeaky clean.

This cute zero waste project helps you keep your skin clean and soft while helping the environment. These reusable makeup remover pads are soo soft on my skin and were so simple to make that you can make a bunch at once. It is an easy to follow step by step tutorial with pictures and video.

This is so cool! It's a bowl made with plastic grocery bags. If you don't know how to crochet, this is a great project to start with. Your veggies and the earth will thank you.

Cloth napkins add color and sophistication to any table. The zero waste part is a no-brainer. They are the perfect project for someone learning to sew too.

Lotion often comes in plastic containers, and the ingredients inside can be harmful to your body. Solid lotion bars only take a few minutes to make. Toss them in your bag for quick access to softer skin everywhere you go.

Don't throw away your old shoes! Birds love them as feeders or as the perfect nook to build a nest. They serve as fun garden art too!

If you have chickens or other livestock, you know that feed sacks can add up quickly. Basic sewing skills can turn them into useful tote bags. The material is sturdy and perfect for shopping at the farmer's market or taking to the pool.

There are a million ways to repurpose pallet wood, but have you considered adding it to your craft room? This quilt batting holder keeps batting off the floor but accessible when you need it. It looks pretty cool too!

Forget plastic baggies. Wrap up your sandwich in Resuable Sandwich bags you can sew! These are the perfect Zero waste reusable sandwich bags. So easy to make and use!

No one likes to clean toilet, but toilet bombs make the task far more tolerable. Make them at home to avoid waste and chemicals.

Paper towels are expensive, and it seems like we are always running out. These zero waste unpaper towels were an easy switch for my family to use. They reach for them to dry hands after washing, clean up spills, and more!

Simple step by step tutorial on how to make your own Zero-waste Kitchen Sponges. Simply make the sponges, use them to clean your dishes then as needed wash them.

These easy sew Produce bags will have you smiling in the produce aisle knowing you are shopping without plastic!

I got tired of finding those little dryer sheets everywhere and the waste it was creating. I decided to make some reusable homemade dryer sheets to help me create less waste. They are easy to make and can customize them with scents your family prefers.

Weed killer can be harmful to pets and bugs and seep into your food source if you grow a garden. Don't risk it! Ditch the toxins by making your own weed killer. It really works too!

This little project so easy to make and so useful in the kitchen for opening those "stuck" jars. Plus it is a Great gift idea!

Did you know you can make your own hairspray?! It's news to me but makes perfect sense for moving toward a zero waste lifestyle. Buy the spray bottle once, or better yet, repurpose one you already have.

Laundry detergent is one of the biggest culprits of waste with its large, plastic containers. Whip up some detergent that is gentle for you, your family and the environment. Start your Zero waste journey today.

Make your own flannel handkerchiefs out of an old flannel shirt that you know you aren't going to wear. They are reusable (zero waste) and soft on the skin and nose.

Here's a fun project! Turn a whole t-shirt into yarn! The yarn has lots of uses, even if you don't knit or crochet. I love turning it into rugs.

Upcycle your tin cans into a vase. They make pretty storage for your desk or bathroom too.

I have come to love my soap holder. No more dropping the soap or wondering where it is. I didn't know I needed this until I made it and started using it. It's such an easy sewing project that beginners can do it in minutes.

With everyone trying to reduce their plastic waste the grocery store is a great place to start your zero waste journey. Just make you a few of these easy pillowcase bag upcycles that help you ditch the plastic.

Hang on to all those glass jars. Add a little paint and pretty knobs to make canisters. These are prefect for holding coffee and sugar in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom.

What do you do with cheese graters that become dull? Don’t throw them away! Spray paint and decorate for a pretty earring holder. It makes a pretty way to display your jewelry on a dresser or vanity.

Bottle caps may be small, but they can quickly add up to a bunch of garbage. How about making them into flowers for your garden? They sure are bright and happy!

Have your kids outgrown their chalkboards? Add a meaningful quote for stylish (and frugal) décor. There are lots of possibilities with this idea!

All you need is some yarn to never buy single use dryer sheets again. Reusable dryer balls gentle soften clothes and are a quick project to make. Add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance.

The colors in this denim rag rug are stunning! Would you have known it was denim if I didn’t tell you? It’s a fun and useful project for your home.

Don’t throw away all the bits of paper leftover from other projects. Compile them into a notebook. These are so handy for keeping in a purse to jot notes on when inspiration strikes.

Nature is beautiful on its own. Bring a piece of it indoors to make a gorgeous side table. This is lovely for that little space to set down a cup or hold a plant.

These reusable bowl covers are made with oilcloth, so they are quick and easy to wipe clean. They stretch over dishes in a variety of shapes and sizes. No more plastic wrap!

This tutorial for snack pouches makes the perfect size for hauling small bites. Think pretzels and nuts. You kids will love finding these in their lunch, especially if you make them with a fun patterned fabric.

These beeswax wraps are stunning. Those flowers would make me WANT to clean up after dinner, put away the leftovers. It has a free printable pattern too!

Repurpose those flannel Shirts and make these DIY Reusable Hand Warmers. These are perfect to keep those hands a feet warm on those cool winter days.

There are lots of Grocery bag patterns available online, but this one stands out for its durability and size. It holds boxes of cereal with room to spare!

Living a zero waste lifestyle doesn’t have to stop when you go to college. Hang on to your soap, and all its bits and pieces, with a DIY soap saver.

Don't throw away those old blue jeans, out to use a Zero waste twist and turn them into a cute tote. I show you how to make a Tote bag out of those old Blue jeans.

Here's an easy sewing project that will bring joy to your lunch hour. Turn one yard of oilcloth into a reusable lunch bag that is easy to clean. Ditch the paper bags.

An old plastic playhouse would make a big pile of garbage in a landfill. Give it a makeover with paint, and it will look brand new again. Actually, it will look even better than new!

Are you thinking about ditching toilet paper? This post has some great alternatives and tips for getting the whole family on board.

Mop pads can be expensive, not to mention wasteful. Grab some terry cloth and make reusable floor pads for your Swiffer mop. I would argue they work better than the original.

No more little tea bags to throw away with these DIY Reusable Tea Bags. Just add your favorite loose leaf tea to this simple sewing zero waste project.

Turn all that extra denim or jeans into cute storage items. Start your zero waste journey by repurposing that denim instead of throwing it away. I show you how to make upcycled Denim storage bins.

Upcycle your favorite T-shirt into your favorite headband. This project is an easy sew repurposing that even beginners can do.

Stop using plastic bags to keep your bread. I show you how to make a reusable bready bag to help you on your zero waste journey. Cook that delicious fresh bread and store it in the reusable bread bag you make.