One thing you could do is buy 100% biodegradable soap (liquid) and save
the water from dishwashing, laundry, shower/bath - that makes a lot of
water and you save some money on clothes because your colours don't
fade so quickly.
Another thing could be buying plants rezistant to dry periods. I like
the plants sold by kokopelli you can find them he
www.kokopelli-seed-foundation.com or try a seed exchange forum - that
way you won't have to pay for the seeds.