In an exclusive interview with BBC Breakfast, natural historian Sir David Attenborough issued a call to action stating that the "One thing" we can all do to save our precious planet is "Don't waste anything, don't waste electricity, don't waste food, don't waste power". 

Inspired by this heartfelt plea, we have been looking at ways to repurpose tea leaves. Here are some useful and inventive suggestions on how you can reuse loose leaf tea and put your waste to good use:

1.  Soothe Tired Eyes

Tannins in tea are effective at reducing puffiness and relieve tired eyes. Place your used black, green or white tea leaves in a soft cloth such as muslin and soak in warm water. Gently squeeze out any excess liquid and place over the eyes, sit back, relax and let the leaves work their magic.

2.  Clean your Windows

Black tea is especially good at making your windows shine. Save those used tea leaves (approximately 10 grams) and mix with 1 litre of hot water. Steep for around 20 minutes and leave to cool to room temperature. Soak a cleaning cloth in the mixture, wring out the excess and start cleaning.

3.  Foot Soak

A natural, chemical free foot soak and an excellent home remedy for smelly feet. The high acidity kills off bacteria and reduces pores, so skin feels dryer for longer.

Infuse black or green tea leaves (or old teabags) in a suitable foot basin, try adding some Epsom salts and essential oils such as lavender for that extra bit of luxury.

4. Watering Indoor Plants

Black tea leaves contain high levels of tannic acid. When this is added to soil it reduces the PH level and increases the acidity. Some plants (although not all) will thrive under these conditions.

Here are a list of some plants that like acidic soil:

• Rubber Plant
• Ferns (excluding Maiden Hair fern)
• Spider Plant
• African Violets
• Philodendron
• Orchids (some varieties)
• Poinsettia

Use a pot of leftover tea minus the milk (ideally let it cool completely overnight) and water your plants in the usual way.

5. Eliminate Strong Smells

Tea leaves are great at absorbing smells. Dry out your old leaf tea and place in an open container near any strong odours. Great for deodourizing ovens smells, fridges, closets, shoes and even cat litter boxes.