Mend your clothes: When I tear my pants, I put them to the side. I then look for clothes I no longer like, fit, or want, and use the unworn pieces of clothing to create patches and patch the pants creating fun patterns! You only need a sewing kit. — Estefania Mitre, Visuals Producer
Shop your neighbors: The only reason I'm still on Facebook is because of the best hyperlocal buy/sell/trade parent group. It's only for the northeast part of Los Angeles. It started just for kids' clothes, but now it is all clothes, housewares, everything, really. I get much nicer clothing than I'd otherwise feel justified in buying, and whether you're buying or selling, you're keeping stuff out of the landfill. This weekend I'm going to a wedding wearing a dress I scored for $40. — Melissa Kuypers, Manager, NPR West Operations
Make a cleaning solution: I make my own cleaning spray with leftover lemons. After I use a lemon for cooking/tea/etc., I save the peels and put them in a jar with vinegar and water. It makes a great all-purpose cleaning spray, and I save a little money. — Gabi Looney, Digital Media Planning Associate, Ad Ops
Paint with nature: I love using the abundant pollen or petals from flowers like lilies to make new watercolor paints. I usually dust the pollen off and use a muddler and some water to make it into a paste. Then I put it in a leftover glass container, and it usually makes for unique watercolor paint! — Brigit Benestante, Corporate Communications Manager
Save meat for special occasions: I love red meat, as do my hubby and my three sons. However, we don't eat it all year round. Then on Christmas, we treat ourselves to beef tenderloin on that one day. Good for the planet and, given the price of beef these days, our budget. — Kate Concannon, Senior Supervisor Editor, The Indicator Planet Money
Squeeze your products: When it comes to lotions, creams or moisturizers, once I can no longer squeeze or pump anything out, I cut the container open. There's usually a ton of product left over on the inner surface. Often you can get several more weeks of use out of a product after doing that. — Grace Chung, Associate Project Manager, Content Ops
Buy a good pair of shoes: The best thing I did for myself once I earned enough to have a little bit of disposable income was to buy well-made shoes. It's a bigger upfront cost, but it can save you so much money (and your feet) in the long run. I'm especially fond of brands who also offer repairs — I'm lucky to live in California, where I can wear sandals most of the year, and several sandal makers have repair programs. For other needs, get familiar with your local shoe repair shop. I've had them stretch tight shoes, repair tears, replace soles and make scuffed shoes shiny again, all for way less than a new pair would cost me. — Andrea Gutierrez, Producer, Ted Radio Hour
Stay local: I tend to keep most travel within driving distance. This saves money on flights and reduces emissions. Plus, it's fun to get creative and explore nearby places I've heard of but haven’t visited. — Beck Harlan, Visuals Editor, Life Kit
Tear up some rags: If something is in such disrepair that it can't be donated — like, say, sheets — tear them apart for reusable dust rags. It'll save you lots of money on buying rags or using rolls and rolls of paper towels. I dedicate a stack to my kitchen and another to bathroom countertops. You can also stuff your shoes with them to help keep their shape. — D. Parvaz, Editor, Weekend Edition
What do you do in your life that saves money and is a little gentler on the earth? Email us at lifekit@npr.org with the subject “Earth Day.” | 
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