Conspicuous consumption is so out and thank goodness for that. There’s a huge silver-lining to the economic downturn- we are having to step back and really think about how we spend our money and what we spend it on. Frugal is the new chic for sure and we no longer have to feel less-than if we’re not sporting this year’s designer shoes. Actually show-off designer labels (many of which are made in Sweatshops) are no longer aspirational. It’s now more about finding the coolest ways to reduce, recycle and reuse. I dropped in on my local thrift store the other day and it was buzzing with cute, young thrifty girls looking for a great steal. I found an adorable white sundress, which after a little tailoring will be a favorite this summer. My best friend, found a fabulous evening purse and the man behind us had lucked up by discovering a bundle of brand new baby clothes. Friends of mine have taken up knitting as never before, beginners sewing classes are springing up all over the place and girl friends are creating swapping events, where they all bring what they no longer wear to the party and everyone goes home with something new. There is great freedom in frugality too. Stripping down one’s life to the bare essentials, making do with what we’ve got, spending precious time on pursuits other than shopping all lead to a deeper sense of value. The Brightest part of the silver lining, however, is that by reducing our consumption, we are reducing our footprint, our impact on mother earth and what a relief that must be for her! What are you doing to be frugally green?