<p>Cellulose-derived hydrogels (CDHs) have emerged as promising materials for environmental sustainability due to their renewable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly nature. Derived from natural cellulose, these hydrogels exhibit unique properties such as high-water absorption, biocompatibility, and tunable surface chemistry, making them ideal for various environmental applications. This review focuses on the potential of CDHs in addressing key environmental challenges, including water purification, soil enhancement, waste management and as slow releasing fertilizer. In water treatment, CDHs have demonstrated remarkable efficiency in adsorbing heavy metals, dyes, and organic pollutants from wastewater, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional adsorbents. Their ability to retain and release water makes them valuable in agriculture, where they can improve soil moisture content and facilitate the controlled release of agrochemicals, thus reducing irrigation frequency and minimizing environmental contamination. Additionally, CDHs show promise in waste management as absorbents for oil spills and hazardous substances, with the added benefit of biodegradability, reducing long-term environmental impact. Despite their potential, challenges such as scalability, cost, and optimization for specific applications remain. This review explores recent advancements in the synthesis and functionalization of CDHs to enhance their environmental performance, along with the integration of these materials into holistic environmental management strategies. By highlighting the versatile applications and sustainable nature of CDHs, this paper aims to underscore their role in promoting eco-friendly practices and contributing to a sustainable future.</p>