One of the central ideas of sustainability is the efficient use of scarce resources. While shifting to a more sustainable lifestyle is often associated with higher costs this is not necessarily true. Following traditional practices passed down through the generations can easily help us make a difference to the planet as well to our health, all the while saving money. Here are some everyday hacks for a more sustainable lifestyle :

1. Versatile milk packets: If you ever thought a milk packet could only be used once and thrown into the bin after its contents were poured out, you were wrong. Milk packets can be washed clean, dried and used for a number of hacks. These packets can be used to prevent oil spills at home by using them as coasters or while packing your lunch bag, you can use them to prevent oil leakage from ruining your bag.
2. Old newspapers: Old newspapers can be used to wrap gifts too, giving it a quirky look as well as doing away with gift wrapping paper which is often unsustainable because of the material they’re made up of. Old newspapers can also be used along with a mixture of vinegar and water to clean the windows and mirrors. The soiled newspaper can then be mixed with food waste and turned to compost. 
3. Organic food for your plants: Cracked eggshells, banana peels, vegetable peels and tea leaves crowd household waste bins. What may seem like a waste to the common eye, however, serves as rich manure for plants. 
4. Disposable areca leaf plates: Single-use plastic while serving food comes from dining cutlery like plastic plates, spoons and forks that are adding to the plastic waste generated in India. Arecanut leaves however provide an eco-friendly solution. The leaves that are naturally discarded are collected from the forest floor and can be made into durable eco-friendly plates without harming the trees. The areca tree, commonly known as the betel nut palm, are tall palms that can be found abundantly in hilly regions of South India. They can easily be grown indoors.
5. Upcycle old denim into bags: Before upcycling became the buzz word of the fashion industry, Indian households have been recycling old fabric to make items ranging from blankets to carpets to bags. The next time you think of spending thousands of rupees on a new bag, dig deep into your wardrobe, find a pair of old jeans and make yourself a trendy denim bag instead.