As interest rates rise, the cost of living increases and saving money is on everyone’s mind, it pays to be a little eco smart when it comes to finances and the environment. Check out the following 10 tips for saving money while being greener:

1. Sustainability Assessment

You can’t manage what you haven’t measured. An energy, water and waste audit will help you find out your environmental impact and save you up to 50% off your energy, water and waste costs. That’s for both homes and businesses. You also get strategies to help you reduce other costs and emissions.

2. Green I.T.

Almost every home and business uses some form of IT, which uses a lot of electricity, and power usage and costs can be reduced easily.

3. Printer Madness

Unless you need your own printer for confidentiality, try to consolidate printers in your home and office to cut down on energy, stationery, printing chemicals and other costs.

4. Fax Gateways

Faxes, when not being used, waste a lot of power. When being used, they use a lot of power and paper. Install a fax gateway to send and receive faxes electronically.

5. Hire, don’t Buy

If it’s possible to hire certain things, which are not needed often, instead of buying, do so. Many home and businesses have wasted appliances and equipment sitting around or in storage that are rarely used.

6. Efficiency First

Whenever you buy new things, buy efficiency. Choose the most efficient goods with the best ratings. It may be more expensive in the short term, but will pay for itself, save you money and the Earth in the long term.

7. Second Hand Rules

When you need to replace something that doesn’t need to be eco-efficient, choose second hand goods. Used or recycled home or office furniture is a good example. Second hand means less pollution, emissions and often a lot more character. In mid 2010, while dropping off some old stuff to a local Vinnies shop, I spied a cool lounge. On closer inspection, it was an original 1960 3-seater sofa plus 2 single swivel seaters – vynil and material with wood inpays around the arm rests – and not a single crack or cigarette burn on the vynil or rip anywhere on the cushions. I couldn’t believe my eyes and got the lot for only $250. I remember this kind of furniture as a kid. It was apparently in an older couple’s house, covered in plastic and un-used for years. This kind of find is what you should look for.

8. Waterless Urinals

Flushing urinals use billions of litres of fresh drinking water each year. Waterless versions look normal, are just as hygienic, but use no water. Install some and stop watching your money and environment go down the drain.

9. Green Building

If possible, locate your business in a Green Star rated office building. Green Buildings cost less to run, save you money and are better for the planet.

10. Drive Smaller

Unless you’re an interstate rep or need to visit your family often who live far, a small 4-cylinder car is much better for 97% of our average driving. They are cheap to run, easy to park and better for the planet.