Disposable culture
Ever wonder why we throw so much stuff out? When we don’t have to pay the full cost of waste, throw away products are cheaper than those that last.
But, there is more to it than that. Issues of culture, history and economy all play a part. You can read more about it in an article by Elizabeth Grossman. The most heartening part of the article for me is that planned obsolescence is an American invention and that other countries do not have to follow their lead. In fact, Germany as begun to pass legislation to combat planned obsolescence.
We need to wake up! An economy built on making more products because they wear out fast and need to be replaced is not a good long term strategy. Start exercising your consumer choice and buy well built items and look after them.