Most people agree that reducing landfill waste is a great way to save the planet, but you can also help your budget by reusing items instead of throwing them away. Here are some tips for reducing waste.

Restore What’s Broken

Get your car repaired and maintain it rather than making car payments on a new one. You might not like paying for repairs, but it’s almost always less than what the new version costs.

Don’t dump your old garbage can just because one of the wheels has broken. Order new polyurethane wheels and attach them to your old container to give it more years of good use.

Visit Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

Garage sale shopping is a great way to save money. It’s also good for reducing waste. People are constantly donating gently used items to thrift stores for various reasons, things either because they only used them a few times or with clothing, they gained weight. Buying things secondhand is a great way to reduce waste and save money.

Also, search for cloth napkins to use rather than the paper kind. Even if you have to buy your cloth napkins new, you’ll save money for years. They’re a breeze to keep clean by throwing them in the washing machine. You’ll save a ton of money by not having to buy paper napkins.

Borrow Rather Than Buy

Most libraries these days have an online site where you can reserve whatever books you want to read. You may have to get on a waiting list for something, but you also get to read it for free. You can also reserve DVDs and music CDs. It’s a great way to save space and money.

Shun Disposables

Stop paying for costly bottles of water. Buy a reusable container and fill it up at home before going out. You can even buy one with a filter. Water fountains are everywhere, and you’ll be able to fill your bottle without worrying about chemicals. You’ll save enough money in a year to pay for a small vacation.

Whenever you visit a restaurant, bring flat reusable food containers to store your leftovers to avoid bringing home those styrofoam containers. They’ll also keep your food fresh longer and are easier for reheating your food.

If you want to reduce waste and save money, follow these tips and you’ll be on your way to debt-free living and a sense of accomplishment in no time.