Save money -- by eating locally and sustainably

If the economy has you thinking cheap, genetically-modified corn-and-soybean junk foods may be the way to go, frugal foodies serious about cheap, tasty eats are blogging to convince you otherwise. Sustainable, yummy eats don't have to break the bank!

First, check out this list of 13 ways to eat locally and sustainable on a budget, from Jennifer Maiser of the Eat Local Challenge blog. One main tip she offers is to eat in season. "In season eating offers the best value for local produce, and if you put up or preserve foods while they are in season you can have a version of them throughout the year."

I went to the farmers' market earlier today -- so I know luscious peaches are in full season. The 7 I bought won't last long enough for me to think about preserving them though...

My favorite tip for reducing local-eating costs is growing your own herbs. Every little bunch of basil, parsley, fennel, and many other easy-to-grow herbs costs you a buck or few every time you decide to buy them from the grocery store -- but if you keep your own little pot o' herbs, you have a gift that keeps on giving.

If any sort of plant maintenance seems like too much work for you, maybe I can draw you in via the cute and crafty factor of these mini-herb gardens. Here's instructions on how to create a Credit-Card Flower Box-Fridge Magnet or a Lightbulb Greenhouse of your own (both via re-nest).

Last but not least: If your garden gets weedy, don't fight 'em -- eat them! Jennifer M. aka Baklava Queen at Ethicurean points out that weeds are growing even more like weeds than usual, thanks to global warming. On the upside, many weeds are edible! Says Jennifer M:

The weeds might have the advantage as our climate changes and cultivated species find themselves more prone to pests and diseases as a result. But there’s one possibly delicious way to tame those wild plants: grab a fork and dig in.