Struggling through a troubled economy sometimes leads us to innovation and leads us to consider alternatives formerly considered impractical, unthinkable, impossible or a combination of all three. 
In the process, new markets can be created and we can tap inner resources that ultimately benefit out lives.
Consider our food supply. Because of rising prices, we find more people attempting to grow their own. Growing your own food also has the added bednefit of providing exercise. But growing your own is not just a simple matter of throwing seeds in a garden plot. fancy tools and lots of expensive chemicals and fertilizer are the last things you need. And there are a number of online resources to consult, like here and here.
Above, follow one family's journey to backyard sustainability.
Your own backyard garden, if successful, also provides a healthier alternative to what is too often found in the supermarket--produce shipped in from hundreds of miles away. And if healthy food is a major concern, but you have a broken thumb instead of a green one, you could consider becoming a "locavore". Advocates contend that being a locavore is not only a healthier food alternative, it is also greener, as you can see in this recent story.
There's even a website for locavores and, if you want to find out what qualifies as a locavore-approved supplier for your 100-mile diet, you can find here the area in which your food supply should be located.
Happy, healthier and greener eating.