Amid the news of billion-dollar bailout packages, plummeting Dow Jones averages and unemployment fears, there is one clear benefit: We are all learning to be more frugal.

That, I suspect, is a good thing, both for ourselves and the planet.

After all, in recent months, I have become extra conscious of where to cut back, and the ways I can stop wasting money. All of these changes add up to greener lifestyle.

I'm probably not the only one whose dwindling bank account is motivating me to adopt a lot of healthy changes. And when it comes to making all those small but vital changes that add up to real differences. 

Some examples:

• I kept my thermostat lower than ever this year.
• I learned that many sweaters and clothes can easily survive a hand-wash and don't need to go to the dry cleaners on a regular basis.
• I realized that my grocery bills drop in half when I am careful about menu planning, avoid prepared foods,  and seek out simple ingredients like bulk dry beans [1] and whole grains. 
• Unable to get over the sticker shock of household cleaner prices (green or otherwise) and found that baking soda and vinegar [1] really do make great alternatives.
• I am bargain-hunting on Freecycle [2] and Craig's List before running out to buy a brand new product, and listing dusty, unused items on eBay.
• I'm partly responsible for the surge in seed sales [3], and plan to grow more herbs, tomatoes and other vegetables this year because they'll be local, organic [3] and far more affordable.

Basically, all my penny pinching is adding up to a simpler, greener lifestyle. Indeed, leaner economic times are motivating me to change a lot of habits that are -- simply put -- wasteful.   

I suspect that I'm not the only one making a number of small changes. And, if adopted collectively, maybe being cheap will lead to a bigger pay off for all of us.