There are job losses in Australia and bankruptcies, though if the boffins are to be believed our Australian recession is nothing like the rest of the world. [Tell that to poor people]

Opportunity shops [usually run by charities] are getting more customers, in my area Sustainable Illawarra is running free bus trips around some of the best opportunity shops.

Swapping is not so popular. There is usually never an equal exchange.

Growing your own vegetables is arousing interest, and community gardens are making a comeback.
Australia has never showed interest in allotments that one finds in the UK, perhaps because we hav e such big yards..
Whether it’s reducing, reusing or recyling, I am all for it.

I just wish solar panels were cheaper – they are still out of the price range of most people, even ith a government subsidy.

I was going to leave a comment about freecycle.org, but apparently somebody already beat me to it.

For most bills, credit cards can be used which helps you itemize your purchases easier, and may even get some rewards/cashback. Many bills can be paid through bank debit from your account, easily and free.

Between these, Ive never had any use for Paypal or its ilk.

Sometimes newer is not necessarily better.