That - as an American - was a wild read. I definitely grew up with & still live within a society that celebrates MMM's proverbial "exploding volcano of wastefulness," the more extravagant the better. I don't think I've ever met anyone in real life who talked up their own frugality. Certainly the other extreme must exist, but I have to rein in my kneejerk skepticism at such an article.
Also, the mere thought of five custard apples (Annona squamosa) for less than $3 nearly brought me to weep. I miss them so much but they're unavailable here for less than several hundred dollars, due to need for expedited shipping. I'd love to grow a tree but it would require a greenhouse.