The Missing Puzzle Piece In The Cheap VS. "Frugal" Argument

It's interesting to me what distinctions can be made between being "cheap" and being "frugal." After reading an article yesterday in the Washington Post about the differences, I thought I'd summarize them below for all Greenwalas to digest.

Being "cheap" is defined as:

• Spending as little money as possible, even if it ends up costing more in the long run.
• Forcing your ways on others, such as buying a gift for someone on sale even if it's not something they'd really be happy with.
  
• Buying the cheapest ____________ available, whether you're at the grocery store, a restaurant or anywhere where you have to purchase something.
• An example is purchasing the least expensive car without regard for quality, and never investing in proper car maintenance.

Being "frugal" is defined as:

• Protecting and conserving your hard-earned money. 
  
• Looking for ways to save on the things you need and want.
  
• Getting the highest value from everything you buy.
• Examples might be:
  • Buying a high-quality used car instead of a new car and maintaining it properly. In the long run, regular maintenance will prolong the life of the car, resulting in better overall value.
  • Riding a bike instead of driving.
  • Bringing your own lunch to work instead of purchasing it.
    

When I look over the two, it seems clear to me that being "frugal" is really just about being "green" -- being resourceful and creative with what bounty you already have in your life. Check out what one community member has already written on the subject. It's nothing new, we're just calling it by a different name! It may be helping us to save money, but it's also saving the Earth in the process.