Earth Day is on Friday, April 22nd. To help you go green while saving some green, we are sharing some money saving tips that are better for the planet.

1. Shop Second Hand.

Shopping used is a great way to save money, as well as help reduce the amount of gently used items that end up in landfills.

Shop online through platforms such as Craigslist, OfferUp, and Ebay, or in person at your local thrift or vintage stores such as Goodwill, Value Village, Habitat for Humanity Store, and so much more. Bonus, many thrift stores are either non-profit, or donate to non-profit partners, doubling the good efforts of your money. As we enter summer, yard sales are another great way to find some deals.

2. Conserve Energy.

Small steps in conserving electricity add up both in your bills, and in your environmental impact.

Here are some ideas for being mindful of your utility usage:

• In the winter, opt for a sweatshirt or blanket instead of cranking up the heat.
• In the summer, open a window or hang out in the colder rooms in your house rather than blasting AC.
• Make sure your dishwasher is full before you run it.
• Turn off lights and unplug appliances when you aren’t using them.

3. Reduce Your Food Bill.

Food waste and frequent eating out are both hard on your wallet and on the planet.

The average American household throws away around 30% of the food they purchase. Try these tips to keep your fruits and vegetables fresh longer, or opt for canned and frozen items. (Canned items are typically better for the planet because the packaging is recyclable, rather than single use plastic of most frozen goods.) Eating out is also expensive, and typically produces more waste and singe-use items than eating at home, especially if you get take-out.

4. Avoid Impulse Buys.

Whenever you go shopping, make sure you have a list, and stick to it.

This will help eliminate impulse buys that are costly for your wallet and often not something you really needed, and it will end up getting thrown away or not used.

5. Borrow or rent.

Not only is it much cheaper or maybe even free, but avoiding purchasing a new item whenever possible reduces waste and is much better for the planet.

Check out Facebook and neighborhood groups for pages that allow communities to trade or borrow items. There are also rental agencies for items such as home renovation equipment and event items. This can be a great way to avoid having to purchase something for a single use. Also, don’t forget to ask friends or family to borrow before purchasing something new.