The majority of Americans can take simpler steps. For example, buy larger containers. So, I'm a young post-college student trying to save as much money as I can and most of my friends make wages that are barely double the federal poverty line and we're in the Boston area. So, we buy as large a container as we can to save money. When I'm with people not of that demographic, I see the opposite. Those 8oz Poland Spring bottles abound - in the homes of environmentally conscious people. Saran wrap and plastic bags to be thrown away replace tupperware-style containers.
You don't need to decide that old, crappy, ripped socks need to be repaired. Buy that huge thing of soap to refill the one or two small containers you actually need. Get a nalgene or similar bottle to use for water or other liquids. If you want soda at work, get a 2-liter bottle and a reusable glass rather than constantly buying cans and 20-oz bottles. Don't get single meal wrapped stuff.
I love people living smaller, but I don't think most people will do what the author has done (but congrats to him for accomplishing it). Still, there are little things you can do that don't affect your quality of life that really do make a difference. It's not that hard to do it, the problem is that it's so easy not to do it. Buying a reusable glass and 2-liter bottles requires a tiny bit of planning and forethought when that vending machine is there with wonderfully easy, single serving containers.