At this point I see the valid reasons for people to buy more in the face of tough economic times. The other part that people need to see is how to shop responsibly.
Shopping for products that are stronger, and better is taken for granted in most situations but before you think that big screen LCD is helping take a look at some of these choices while you shop through the depression:
Basic foodstuffs
- buy some flour and experiment with food to both save money and help ease supply overflows closer to the product source. It may have the effect of reducing prices of bread in the long run for both you and the producer.
Fabric
- Before you stop reading, this part is actually about NEW commodities. All of the innovation that went into those 200$ pants at the mall can be found for much cheaper at a good shop. I've seen people integrate carbon fibre and kevlar into new clothing and building materials. Finding the right fabric locally may be difficult in some areas - I would recommend pooling resources with other local crafters and buying online.
Entertainment
- Diverse entertainment, meaning other than just television, is an excellent way to save some money while setting aside your troubles. Even if live theatre or a dance performance aren't acceptable or affordable yet many simple options remain. Visit a park, host a dinner party or event centred around a shared interest (ex. Anime, Cosplay, Crafting, Cycling, Fetishes, or even Sports).
The most important part is to just do something, anything other than sitting there accumulating. If necessity is the mother of invention, then get out there and be busy enough that you become riddled with need. The need to feed, is everpresent. The need to procreate (or trick your body into believing it has fulfilled this genetic imperative, for my homosexual peers), is a good go-to for the urban peasant. And remember that fabric part for the next time you want to make things interesting in bed -- because everybody needs to sleep and it is a form of entertainment to utilize your sense of touch with sheets of silk, or bamboo fabric.
Humans have needs, fulfill them carefully.