... if our current methods of making, getting, spending and discarding prove unsustainable, then there could come a time – and it might come quite soon – when we are forced towards simplicity.

I understand it's 'normal procedure' in some subcultures of America to buy cheap new clothes and toss them when stinky (no long-term ownership, no washing). If that's widespread, we need to get simple real quick. I mark that right up there with 'cheap produce' at Trader Joe's. $1.99 for Dutch-grown tomatoes? What does that actually cost in environmental impact?