This is a very big problem to address -- the idea of excessive consumerism is so deeply embedded into our social structure and mentality that it is hard to get

This is a very big problem to address -- the idea of excessive consumerism is so deeply embedded into our social structure and mentality that it is hard to get away from even when you are conscious of it. I drive a car made in 2002, which is kind of beat up (people hit me in parking lots and I dont repair dings/dents). The engine is working perfectly. But I regularly get comments from people asking me if I'm shopping for new cars. Its such a sin in some circles to have a 4+ year old car that these people think they are doing me a favor by reminding me its time to upgrade. America is going to have to really come to a point of real peril before the attitudes of most people will switch. The good news, I suppose, is that if we arent there now, we will be soon.