10 Weird Things I Do to Reduce Waste and Save Money (That Apparently Aren't So Weird)
I used to think I was the only person who did these things.
Then I shared a video about my unusual money-saving habits, and it went viral. Thousands of people commented to tell me they do many of the same things. It turns out I'm not weird after all... or maybe we're all weird together!
Welcome to the club.
My parents immigrated to Canada from Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean. Growing up, they taught me to use everything to the very end. Nothing was wasted. Everything had a purpose, and if something seemed ready for the garbage, they'd find a way to give it a second life.
Those lessons stayed with me.
Today, I still live this way, not just because it saves money, but because it's creative. I love looking at something and asking, "What else could this become?"
Here are 10 unusual things I do to reduce waste and save money.
1. I Save Watermelon Rinds
Most people throw away about a third of every watermelon they buy.
I save the white part of the rind and use it in all kinds of ways:
Watermelon rind salad
Homemade jam
Baking
Smoothies
Pickles
The texture reminds me of a firmer cucumber. Once you start using it, you'll realize how much perfectly edible food usually ends up in the compost bin.
2. I Turn Curdled Milk Into Cheese
When milk starts separating but still smells fine, I don't immediately throw it out.
Instead, I heat it gently and add a little lemon juice or vinegar. The curds separate from the whey, creating a simple homemade cheese.
The result reminds me a bit of poutine cheese curds, although less squeaky.
I sprinkle it on salads, grain bowls, and beans for extra protein.
And the whey? I save that too.
It can be added to:
Baking recipes
Soups
Stir-fries
Sauces
Nothing goes to waste.
3. I Use School Wristbands to Open Jars
Every school trip seems to come with another identification bracelet.
Rather than throwing them away, I stretch them around stubborn jar lids.
The extra grip makes opening jars much easier and saves me from buying specialized gadgets.
It's one of those tiny hacks that makes life surprisingly easier.
4. I Save Clean Water for My Garden
Whenever I rinse fruits, vegetables, or dishes that don't contain soap or oil, I collect the water in a bowl.
Then I use that water in my garden.
Some people think this is excessive, but water requires energy to be filtered, treated, and delivered to our homes.
Why waste it if plants can use it?
For me, it's about appreciating resources rather than treating them as disposable.
5. I Use Scrap Paper for Notes
My son often brings home papers that are printed on only one side.
Instead of recycling them immediately, we use the blank side for:
Grocery lists
Quick notes
Planning
YouTube scripts
My son even punches holes in the pages and turns them into homemade notebooks.
Free notebooks are hard to beat.
6. I Mend Clothing Instead of Replacing It
If a favorite sweater gets a hole, I fix it.
If a pocket falls off a shirt, I sew it back on.
Am I a professional seamstress? Not even close.
Sometimes the repairs are visible, but I don't mind. In fact, I think visible mending adds character and tells a story.
Natural-fiber clothing is becoming harder to find and more expensive. If I own something well-made, I want to keep it in circulation as long as possible.
7. I Turn Old T-Shirts Into Garden Ties
When a shirt is truly beyond repair, I cut it into strips.
Those strips become plant ties in my garden.
They're sturdy, reusable, and free.
One old T-shirt can produce dozens of ties that last multiple growing seasons.
8. I Make Hair Elastics from Old Pantyhose
Pantyhose are notorious for ripping.
Instead of throwing them away, I cut them into strips and use them as hair ties.
They're surprisingly comfortable, stretchy, and durable.
One pair can provide dozens of elastics, saving money and keeping more material out of the landfill.
9. I Cut My Own Hair
During the pandemic, I learned how to cut my own hair.
Since my hairstyle is fairly simple, I've continued doing it ever since.
A haircut can easily cost $50 to $80 or more.
Doing it myself saves hundreds of dollars every year.
Even better, I compost the hair clippings afterward. Hair contains nitrogen, which helps enrich compost and eventually nourishes my garden.
10. I Replaced My Lawn with Food
This is probably the most controversial thing I do.
A few years ago, I removed much of my front lawn and replaced it with vegetables and drought-tolerant plants.
The grass was constantly burning in the sun and required regular watering.
Now I grow:
Kale
Swiss chard
Cucumbers
Bok choy
Strawberries
Herbs
The garden helps feed my family of four while also supporting pollinators.
To me, that's a much better use of space than maintaining a thirsty lawn.
Frugal Living Isn't About Deprivation
When people hear words like "frugal" or "underconsumption," they sometimes imagine sacrifice.
But that's never been my experience.
For me, reducing waste isn't about having less.
It's about being more creative.
It's about seeing potential where others see garbage.
It's about appreciating resources, saving money, and finding joy in making things last.
Many of these habits came from my parents, who taught me that everything deserves to be cherished.
And judging by the response to my videos, a lot of you were raised the same way.
