Going green sounds good in theory, but it isn't always practical. Starting a compost pile or driving an electric car doesn't work for everyone, and it can get expensive. Fortunately, saving the planet doesn't have to mean saving up for solar panels — there are plenty of other ways [1] to give back to Mother Nature. Whether you're a sustainability pro or a beginner recycler, there's always a new eco-friendly hack to discover online. And TikTok, known for its videos of cute pets [2] and delicious recipes [3], has tons of great advice on going green for people at every stage of the process. Ahead, find 24 of the best and easiest environmental hacks TikTok has to offer that will save you time and money while taking care of the planet.
Make Your Own Deodourant
Make your own deodourant with just a few ingredients! Reuse an old container, like a mason jar or a tin of mints, to make it extra Earth-friendly.
Repurpose Your Beverage Cartons
Almost finished with a carton of milk or juice? Cut around the spout and sandwich it into the lid of a mason jar for an easy, spill-proof way to pour your favourite cold brew.
Upcycle Candle Jars
If you aren't sure where to start, upcycling old candles is the perfect sustainable habit for beginners. Pick your favourite method and save the wax for later to make your own custom candle.
Shop More Sustainably
Going green doesn't have to mean changing up your entire routine [5] — just start by shopping more sustainably at your favourite stores. For example, try to buy products wrapped in paper instead of plastic.
Patch Holes in Old Clothes
Found a hole in that old shirt? Grab a needle and thread [6] and give it a quick patch. Extending the life span of your clothes is a great way to make that closet greener!
Cut Up Soap Bars
If you use soap bars, try cutting them up when you first buy them to make them last longer. It's a simple way to stretch your soap (and save a little money).
DIY Soap Lift
To extend the life of a bar of soap, make your own soap rest out of a jar lid and some rubber bands. Raising the soap up off its resting place prevents the excess from sticking to the surface, so there's more to go around.
Turn Any T-Shirt Into a Crop Top
Repurpose your T-shirts with this three-second crop top hack. Double your wardrobe without doubling your carbon footprint!
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Make your own all-purpose household cleaner using vinegar, some fruit, herbs, and water. Customise it with different add-ins to get the scent you like, or change it up every time.
Bring Your Own Basket to the Grocery Store
Reusable shopping bags [7] are great, but baskets work even better. Look around your house or apartment for boxes, baskets, and bins that you aren't using, and bring those with you when you shop instead.
Wash Your Athleisure by Hand
Hear us out — you can save a ton of water by washing your workout wear by hand. Throw it in your bathtub or sink with a few laundry products, and practice sustainability while you get an extra mile or two out of your favourite leggings.
Make Vegetable Stock Out of Veggie Scraps
Save carrot tops, celery leaves, onion ends, and more to make your own vegetable stock. You won't have to buy it anymore and it'll taste better than store-bought, anyway. Bonus points for perfecting some serious chef skills [8].
Replace Aluminium Foil With a Silicone Baking Mat
Buy one silicone baking mat, and you'll never have to buy aluminium foil or parchment paper again. You'll make less waste and save hundreds of dollars while using your oven.
Try Reusable Pads
Sick of buying new period products every month? Invest in or DIY [9] some reusable pads — they're better for the planet and more cost-effective, and you can customise the thickness to fit your individual cycle.
Disinfect Your Kitchen Sponge
Extend the life of your kitchen sponge by cutting it in half. Then, disinfect it by dropping it in boiling water every once in a while. Sometimes, sustainability just means making the products you already have last longer.
Make Sustainable Swaps in Your Kitchen
There are plenty of ways to make your kitchen more eco-friendly. Products like reusable coffee filters and reusable cotton pads may seem small, but they can make a big environmental difference. (Just think how many you throw away in a week!)
Repurpose Plastic Containers
How many plastic containers do you throw away in a day? Try repurposing some as organisers for other items to save the planet and some space [10].
Save Your Dog or Cat's Water For Your Plants
If you have a pet, you can pour the leftover water from their water bowls on your plants every time you give them a refill. You'll save water and never forget to water your plants again.
Do Your Homework
Making sustainable swaps is only half the battle. Educating yourself on what's happening in the climate movement at a global level [11] can help motivate you to stay eco-conscious and also make you a more informed consumer.
Use Toilet Paper Rolls to Store Cords
Before you throw your toilet-paper rolls away, try using some to store those dozens of cords [12] that always end up tangled in a junk drawer. They'll stay out of sight and out of mind.
Use a Rag For Your Swiffer
If you have a Swiffer, you can use a regular rag or dish towel instead of a Swiffer pad to clean your floors. They're machine-washable and budget-friendly.
Make Some Plarn and Get Crafty!
Put that never-ending stash of plastic bags to good use. Fold it and cut it into "plarn," or plastic yarn, and knit or crochet it into anything you can think of — clothes, tote bags, even a bucket hat.
Keep Sustainable Items in Your Car
If you're trying to fit sustainability into your daily routine, you can keep a bag of eco-friendly items in your car so they're handy whenever you need them. Things like a reusable container for takeout and a dish towel for spills are easy to keep in your backseat.
Pick Up a Pants Extender
Ever toss out a too-small pair of pants? Next time, upgrade them with a pants extender instead. It's a handy little clip that helps make your closet more eco-conscious, so you can enjoy your favourite pair [13] for years to come.
