• Alternatives to wood pallets are durable, reusable and collapsible pallets made from plastic, wire mesh or other materials. The purchase cost for these pallets is often more expensive, but over the long term they reduce costs with each return trip.
• Minimize wood pallet waste by rebuilding and reusing pallets. 
• Reuse pallets in good condition and send broken pallets for repair. Google 'Wood Pallet Rebuilders and Repair' for businesses that repair and rebuild pallets.
• Consider leasing pallets. Pallets are repaired by the leasing company and reused by a network of businesses.
• Recycle pallets that are damaged beyond repair. Scrap wood from pallets can be processed into landscape mulch, animal bedding, compost and other products.

Pallets may be refurbished for many different uses. Google 'reuse pallets' and you'll find many interesting and useful projects using wood pallets. This will get you started http://www.woohome.com/furniture/40-fantastic-ways-of-how-to-reuse-old-wooden-pallets

See how to make a pallet wall for your home here: http://www.upcyclethat.com/make-pallet-wall/6575/