Buying used products is a good way to make sure that things that are in good shape but not needed for the original owner can have a second (or third) life in somebody else's home. This helps save valuable resources and keeps things away from landfills. Oftentimes it doesn't even make sense to buy new, as used things are cheaper, but not necessarily in worse shape. The range of things that can be bought used is wide - from books to cars and anything in between - toys, furniture, clothes.

The best place to look for used things are online stores and auction sites. They let you compare prices and see what's available without driving to antique shops or garage sales all over the town. There's also sites on-line that specialize in used things alone, often offering a medium for giving away your unwanted things for free or trading them to something else.

If buying electronics from a stranger doesn't feel safe, there's the market of refurbished products that you can buy from a certified retailer, ensuring  the product is just as good as new.

So next time you realize your kid needs more building blocks or you want a CD of your favourite artist, see if you can save some money and the planet by buying it used.