17 Ways to Save Money—And the Planet

KITCHEN

• Garbage and sandwich bags that are 100 percent biodegradable and compostable? Yes, says Michelle, they're made from cornstarch and other renewable resources ( BioBagUSA.com ).

• Cleaning scrubs and scouring pads from Goodbye Detergent!, says Michelle, use the abrasive powers of ground peach pits, corncobs, and walnut shells to tackle household cleanup ( GoodbyeDetergent.com ).

• Silvia likes to entertain, so she and Michelle discuss reducing her use of plastic (i.e., petroleum) tableware. Michelle suggests disposables that can be composted or that biodegrade easily: Bare (from bamboo; $37 for 180), Stalk Market (from sugarcane fiber; $53 for 500), or Earth Shell (from potato starch; $29 for 240).