Enjoying a simple evening at home from stock.xchng.com

As businesses scramble to figure out how to survive in the current economic climate, it is revealing to read different industry publications and get an inside look as to how they view the average consumer citizen and the trends they are analyzing.  After all, their bottom line is dependent on parting people with their money so being a smart shopper means being aware of how businesses are targeting people.  Many of the trends they are seeing definitely fall under the umbrella of simple living.

One such European publication, 4Hoteliers.com, recently addressed some key areas where they see significant changes in people's activities and spending patterns.  In Frugal cocooning: home-made is fast becoming a buzzword, they explain:

Cocooning is a concept American futurist Faith Popcorn coined in the 1990s, describing the tendency, often fuelled by security concerns, to live a home-centred lifestyle and to equip the home with gadgets and touches of indulgence to make it a more welcoming and inviting entertainment hub and haven.

The article goes on to explain other significant shifts such as eating at home, home weddings, hunkering down at home, increased library usage, and more humble holidays/vacations.

It seems to be with a bit of disdain that they remark, "A more puritanical, value-driven lifestyle is now coming to the fore."  While value-driven will get a pass, pulling out the word "puritanical" seems to indicate that this industry, at least, doesn't view these moves toward greater thrift and carefulness as something positive.

Frugal cocooning is definitely on the rise.  Some people are embracing this lifestyle change by necessity and others by choice.  As the recession drags on, more and more people will discover that living simply, hunkering down at home, and living a more puritanical, value-driven lifestyle is actually a satisfying way to live.

For more info: Read more about simple living, making changes, and family. Or explore books such as Choosing Simplicity: Real People Finding Peace and Fulfillment in a Complex World.