The sputtering economy is having at least one happy effect on America: It’s making Americans less materialistic. That’s according to a recent survey of 41,175 adults by Zogby Interactive, which found that people are not only buying less stuff, but also giving away more of their possessions. “People are moving toward a simpler, less materialistic lifestyle,” pollster John Zogby said. He added that he thinks Americans are “looking for more meaning in their lives and will seek it through family, friends, volunteering and leisure activities that fulfill their needs.” The poll showed that regular churchgoers are somewhat more likely to give away belongings than their more secularly inclined neighbors. Kevin Bedan illustration