Waste Not...Want Not for me comes from the conservation idea of value vs. consumerism. I.E. I value a hat in the wintertime. With the companies I work with, every year around Christmas time they offer free winter caps. Now, don't get me wrong, I could purchase many such articles to adorn my dome. In fact, as a minimalist, I probably own to many (4) winter caps. The rest I will offer to the 'Walmart Hawker' who makes a living standing outside. Recession vs. Depression? I'll take the Recession! We have way more "stuff" today than we need (Bad Thing?)... Yet are not satisfied. I'd rather have a solid balance sheet than the latest thing from "Bed, Bath & Beyond" and the credit card I bought it with, we are 'stupid' to consume what we do not need, to impress the people who do not matter.