Still, some predict that by 2009, the ability to swipe everything from a pair of pants to a bar of soap under a scanner will mean that shoppers will spend less time in a cash register line.

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For example, she cleans the kitchen sink with used tea leaves instead of regular detergent (less polluting and no extra cost), and polishes the crystal with a solution of soap and vinegar.

CNN: JAPAN'S DOWNSIZING FABLE