We Are A Nation of Throwaways
Posted: Monday, August 23, 2010
by Grace O'Malley
Once, long ago in a time far, far away, products were built to last. It did not matter what they were. From homes, to vehicles, to furniture, to everyday items, things were made to endure. Where did such days disappear to? And just why did they evaporate into thin air? For many they are only a dream which will never be realized. For others, they are little more than a distant memory.
We in our family have recently been discussing this very topic. In going through the items we have at home, we found ourselves flabbergasted by the frequency with which many of them must be replaced. For example: every two years, give or take a few months here and there, our computers need to be replaced. It is not because we are hard on them, abuse them in any way, or because we do not take protective measures. It is because they were not built to last any longer than that. Sure, new programs emerge every six months or so, but upgrading isn't much of a chore for anyone even remotely proficient in the use of computers. The problem is the components are not made to last longer than a few short years at the very most.
What about the vehicles we all need in order to get from point A to point B? So, you do your research, find the perfect one, and decide it is time to buy. All goes well and you place a sizable amount down in order to minimize payments, get a short loan, and are ready to drive off the lot. However, the moment you turn onto the road leading to your new home, the beautiful $25,000.00 SUV you purchased has immediately lost 10% of its value, at the very least. Within 5 minutes of purchase you cannot resell it for near what you paid for it. After a few short years, issues begin to pop up, even with regularly scheduled maintenance. Soon more problems arise, and before you know it, you are replacing parts regularly just to keep your vehicle running smoothly. You decide the extra cost isn't worth it, and trade it in for something brand new. The cycle then begins anew.
Have you noticed how many of the items we buy now are made of plastic? When is the last time you saw a new piece of furniture made of solid wood stained and lacquered to perfection instead of veneer covered pressboard? Let's face it ladies and gentlemen we are a nation of throwaways. It does not help that our products are not built to last, but we have become so used to this we are no longer bothered when it is time to replace our household items, our vehicles, our computers, our electronics, our furniture and clothes.
Are we the only ones who find this horrendously wrong? The days of products being made with quality and of being handed down to the next generation are long gone. They are a dream very few remember, and are unlikely to ever see again. As with so many other things which have gone wrong over the years, when do we rise up and say enough is enough?
What about the vehicles we all need in order to get from point A to point B? So, you do your research, find the perfect one, and decide it is time to buy. All goes well and you place a sizable amount down in order to minimize payments, get a short loan, and are ready to drive off the lot. However, the moment you turn onto the road leading to your new home, the beautiful $25,000.00 SUV you purchased has immediately lost 10% of its value, at the very least. Within 5 minutes of purchase you cannot resell it for near what you paid for it. After a few short years, issues begin to pop up, even with regularly scheduled maintenance. Soon more problems arise, and before you know it, you are replacing parts regularly just to keep your vehicle running smoothly. You decide the extra cost isn't worth it, and trade it in for something brand new. The cycle then begins anew.
Have you noticed how many of the items we buy now are made of plastic? When is the last time you saw a new piece of furniture made of solid wood stained and lacquered to perfection instead of veneer covered pressboard? Let's face it ladies and gentlemen we are a nation of throwaways. It does not help that our products are not built to last, but we have become so used to this we are no longer bothered when it is time to replace our household items, our vehicles, our computers, our electronics, our furniture and clothes.
Are we the only ones who find this horrendously wrong? The days of products being made with quality and of being handed down to the next generation are long gone. They are a dream very few remember, and are unlikely to ever see again. As with so many other things which have gone wrong over the years, when do we rise up and say enough is enough?
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)I'm actually in the midst of this right now with my car. Coming up on 100,000 miles and I still absolutely LOVE to drive it, but it's getting to the point where I'm putting more into it on a monthly basis (average) then I would if I had a car payment. Irritating.As for computers, I don't think it's that they're necessarily built poorly, just that technology is moving SO fast that within about 6 months time they're obsolete.Isn't it sad that you are going to have to buy a new car? They certainly aren't economical to purchase. I wish they made cars that would go 200-300,000 miles before falling apart.Grace
I try to recycle any chance I get. The environment is important if we want to continue enjoying its resources.I agree we all need to do more and stop waste.Grace
Hi Grace.Just try to find a remote control for the television that doesn't wear out in a matter of months ... well the fast forward button (the most important button on it :)) anyway. You can pay a lot or a little for them and none of them last.I think that it is something of a vicious circle too. The manufacturers had built in lifetimes for quite a while, but it has become more pervasive (I believe) in the last twenty years or so. So a whole crop of kids have grown up believing that their belongings don't last and think nothing of it. So, they do not take ample care of them. When you believe in the worth of something you tend to care better for it. Bernd and I still do this no matter what the item. I guess we are not the very good economy supporting consumers that we are supposed to be. Anyway, I think that is why the remote control thing vexes him so much.And no, you are not the only ones who find it wrong.Hugs, DianneLOL now that's something I've never had a problem with. We may lose them but I've never had a remote wear out.What's wrong with taking care of what you have and making it last? I have boots and clothes in my closet that I bought when dating my husband 20 years ago. They are in great shape! My kids refuse to be in public with me if I wear them though. Something about looking like a throwback, hehe.You and Bernd have the right idea.Grace
I think it's awful that products are made so cheaply. I remember when I first heard of the term planned obsolescence, (living in Africa, light years behind the rest of the world!) I thought it was shocking. Now it's just normal. Now is a good time to say enough, I reckon.To even have coined such a term makes me wonder how we let something like that happen! Thanks for stopping by Jennifer. Always a pleasure.Grace
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