When I began work where I am now (9 years ago), my co-workers were each easily an exploding volcano of waste in their own right. Over the past 6 months I've slowly began hearing crazy discussions over the cubical tops. Things like:
"I'm tracking my energy usage and have it down a lot from last year--anybody know about dishwasher usage?"
"They have a sale on LED bulbs at the hardware store and with a coupon you can get them for $3."
"I need to renegotiate my cell-phone contract to cancel data, anybody know how?"
"We're eating less meat in our diet for health and money reasons. Having lentils tonight."
"I'm trying to use the car less when I don't have to. Making lists instead and doing it all in one go."
And most SHOCKINGLY: "We can't afford that right now--maybe in a few months or next year." (Unheard of and embarrassing office statement 3 years ago.)
They also now pack lunches!! I have to say, it's all sort of freaking me out. I've never preached here or anything and as far as I know the rest of the building isn't on this frugality kick. I'm pretty sure what's happened is my occasional Mustachian general questions and comments on how they'd done something (which interested me) has rubbed off--small things I've said over the years since I started working towards FIRE in 2012 like, "Anyone ever used LED bulbs?", "Oh, I'm not working until 65 or my full-pension, I'm retiring early", "I'd rather make coffee at my desk", "$15--are you serious?!!", or "I know what it cost because I track my spending in a program."
One woman isn't on the agenda--she buys ATVs, a motorhome, a motorcycle, a brand new sports car, eats out almost every day, goes to Wal-Mart about four times a week and the group will actually chastise her if she brings up a money woe. (Though she is very generous--always giving away chocolate, cookies, and candies.)
All that said, I have no idea what the others are doing with the extra savings. Hopefully stashing them? They say spending increases to match your peer group, but maybe it can slide the other way instead? I'm not openly taking any credit for the glacial shift in attitude, but I have to say it's nice and at least some of their conversations interest me now.
Anyone else experienced those around you begin to bend toward frugality?