When going zero-waste, there are a lot of DIY zero-waste products you can make yourself, rather than buying them from a store.
Making your own zero-waste products is a great way to use less plastic at home, and it will allow you to say goodbye to single-use plastics once and for all.
Because remember, even if we recycle, it doesn’t mean that it will actually get recycled.
When things do get recycled, that’s great. But really, recycling should be a last resort and we should focus on reducing our waste instead. That’s how we can really make a difference.
Whether you’re looking to save money or you simply love to craft, these do-it-yourself tutorials will help you live more eco-friendly by reducing your overall waste and focusing on reusing things.
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Here’s a list of zero-waste DIY ideas that you can make to create an eco-friendly home.
1. DIY Unpaper Towels
Say goodbye to paper towels and DIY your own zero-waste “unpaper” towels. You’ll never have to buy paper towels again which means that’s trees and money saved.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 yards diaper cloth fabric
- Serger
- Serging thread
Rather buy it? Get it here.
2. Twine Scrubbing Sponge
Most sponges are made with plastic and are difficult to recycle. Instead, make your own zero-waste scrubbing sponge out of twine that is compostable.
This DIY twine scrubbing sponge is easy to knit, even for beginners.
What You’ll Need:
- twine
- pop up sponge
- knitting needles
- needle
- scissors
3. Reusable Snack Bags
Instead of purchasing single-use plastic baggies, make your own reusable snack bags.
This easy snack bag tutorial requires some basic sewing skills and some Velcro, and then you’ve got some zero-waste reusable baggies.
What You’ll Need:
- Nylon/cotton fabric scraps
- Polyester thread
- Non-adhesive velcro
- Wonder Tape
- Heavy duty machine needle (if using thick fabric)
4. Zero-Waste Sandwich Bags
Need something a little bigger for sandwiches? These DIY reusable sandwich bags that also use Velcro will help you cut down on plastic and reduce waste even more.
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric
- Waterproof fabric
- Velcro
- Sewing machine
5. DIY Beeswax Wraps
As an alternative to wasteful plastic wrap that’s hard to recycle and harmful for the environment, create your own reusable beeswax food wraps.
Beeswax wrap is an alternative to disposable film wrap, which is one of the worst plastics out there since it’s not even recyclable.
What You’ll Need:
- Cotton fabric scraps
- Pinking shears
- Beeswax pellets or shavings
- Parchment paper
- Tape
- An iron
Rather buy it? Get it here.
6. DIY Zero-Waste Produce Bag
Instead of grabbing plastic produce bags at the grocery store, make your own zero-waste bags and bring them with you!
These reusable produce bags are made out of cotton, making them more eco-friendly than plastic and compostable once it’s reached the end of its life-cycle.
What You’ll Need:
- Cotton Ribbon
- Satin Ribbon
- White Cotton Voile Fabric
7. Reusable Bowl Covers
Sew up some reusable bowl covers for your food for easy storage that looks good too. A great plastic-free and zero-waste alternative for saran wrap.
What You’ll Need:
- Bowls
- Oilcloth or laminate fabric
- 1/4 inch elastic
- Double fold bias tape
- Sewing supplies
8. Zero-Waste Bread Bag
If you buy your bread at a bakery, you may need a bag to put that loaf in. Make your own zero-waste bread bag to bring with you and store your bread in at home. Make it out of an old pillowcase, towel, scarf, etc.
What You’ll Need:
- Cloth material
- Cord
- Sewing machine
Rather buy it? Get it here.
9. Travel Utensil Kit
With a little bit of sewing, create your own travel utensil kit to bring with you on road that will substitute using disposable plastic cutlery.
Pack you’re zero-waste travel kit with regular cutlery as well as a straw and even chopsticks if you want!
What You’ll Need:
- scraps of fabric
- sewing machine
- sewing supplies
- fork, spoon, knife and reusable straw
10. Toiletry Travel Kit
Make the same concept of a zero-waste travel kit for your bathroom necessities, with a little extra padding to soak up moisture with this DIY toiletry travel kit.
What You’ll Need:
- Fabric
- Terry cloth
- Sewing machine
11. Makeup Remover Pads
Using disposable cotton rounds has environmental drawbacks since it takes a lot of water to produce cotton. Create your own makeup remover pads that you can also use for scrubbing your skin or as baby wipes.
Once these reusable cotton rounds have been used, simply wash and repeat.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft cotton fabric
- 100% cotton thread
- Glass jar with a lip that measure 3″ + diameter
- Rotary Cutter or scissors
- Pins
- Cutting mat
- Sewing Machine with an overlock stitch
- Iron
Rather buy it? Get it here.
12. Zero-Waste Disinfectant Wipes
Cleaning wipes that come in plastic containers may contain harmful chemicals and the wipes themselves can’t be composted due to the chemicals in the cleaning product.
By making your own zero-waste disinfectant wipes out of old rags, you can simply wash the rags and reuse.
What You’ll Need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Dawn dish-washing soap
- Essential oils
- Washcloths
- Glass jar with a sealing lid
13. DIY Dishwasher Tablets
Making your own dishwasher tablets is a cheaper and more eco-friendly way to wash your dishes.
You can say goodbye to plastic containers and/or individual tablet wrappers and instead make these zero-waste dishwasher tablets
What You’ll Need:
- Washing soda
- Borax
- Baking soda
- Epsom salt
- White vinegar
- Essential oils
- Food coloring (optional)
- Ice cube tray or silicone mold
14. Reusable Dryer Sheets
You can also use old rags to make reusable dryer sheets instead of single-use dryer sheets that use synthetic scents.
Add vinegar and essential oils to a mason jar with small pieces of cloth, towels, etc. and you’ve got your own zero-waste dryer sheets.
What You’ll Need:
- Pieces of cloth
- White vinegar
- Essential oils
- Glass storage container with lid
15. DIY Wool Dryer Balls
Speaking of laundry and zero-waste, you can make your own DIY wool dryer balls that will naturally soften clothes instead of potentially toxic dryer sheets. Dryer balls are easy to DIY, last for years and also make great gifts!
What You’ll Need:
- Wool yarn
- Crochet hook or tapestry needle (optional)
- Nylons / pantyhose / Stockings
- Scissors
- Essential oils (optional)
Rather buy it? Get it here.
16. Reusable Swiffer Cover
Swiffers are great, but their disposable pads? Not so much. Make your own reusable Swiffer covers that will save you so much money and reduce so much waste.
What You’ll Need:
- Fleece fabric
- Stick-on velcro strips for fabric
- Fabric scissors
- Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat (optional)
17. Reusable Swiffer Duster
Speaker of Swiffer, instead of buying their disposable duster pads, make your own! These reusable dusters will keep your home dust-free, and are machine washable!
What You’ll Need:
- Flannel fabric
- Duster handle
- Sewing supplies
Final thoughts on these DIY zero-waste products
Making your own products is a great way to cut out a lot of middlemen, and making your own zero-waste products will help reduce your plastic usage.
Want to buy zero-waste products instead of making them? Check out EarthHero where you can buy all sorts of eco-friendly and reusable products from different brands!
Okay…. Jade…. I’m not sure what you call yourself.. a blogger? Well if that’s the name I think you’re the best blogger I’ve ever come across!!!! I have seen a few of your things now and I’m obsessed!! I’ve seriously never seen anyone better!!! Thank you!
That’s so nice of you to say, thank you so much! You made my day! 🙂
Yes this is fantastic info. All I need now to learn how to sew and a sewing machine! 😂🙈
Thank you very much for sharing such great ideas! I am always looking for ways not to use products that harm the environment and your article is amazing. So many useful tips. I love the most DIY Dishwasher Tablets.