Quilters are so resourceful! I think we were the original "green" people. I love that even the scraps and selvages (which I love) don't go to waste.
And for those on a budget, don't forget about old clothing. Bonnie Hunter has a wonderful book:
http://quiltville.com/scrapsandshirttailspreview.shtml and she uses old cotton clothing which she gets from her closet or thrift stores. Her quilts are gorgeous and made with stuff you would normally throw out or donate.