Okay, they're not flat screens. But do they still work?
Agri Press/Thinkstock
READ MORE ABOUT:
The conversation continues with Annie Leonard, director of The Story of Stuff Project, creator of the internet video sensation, and author of The Story of Stuff: The Book. Today's topic: Why manufacturers know your [insert your favorite electronic or item of clothing here] will break down soon. In fact, they're counting on it.
If you missed Parts 1-3 of this series, check them out here. And if you aren't one of the nearly 10 million people who have already seen The Story of Stuff videos, click here. Then read on!
Photo Credit: Christy McDonald
PG: You advise people to take care of their stuff and hang on to their stuff for as long as possible to cut down on waste. But with so many companies designing their products for planned obsolescence (or perceived obsolescence where we just think we need to replace it because it's no longer cool!), is it possible to make a purchase like a computer, for example, without buying into the whole problem and needing to replace it in five years because the company designed it to fall apart?
ANNIE SAYS: It’s really hard to buy a safe, durable electronic because they just don’t exist. Yet. But the good news is, many computer and electronic companies are slowly moving in a better direction. So far, the efforts have focused more on reducing toxic chemicals in their products than making them longer lasting, but it's a start.
Greenpeace produces a Guide to Greener Electronics that is updated regularly to see how different companies are performing. Check that before you replace a computer. And don’t replace gadgets unless you really need to. A big percentage of the cell phones and MP3 players and other gadget we toss out in this country are still working — they just aren’t the newest, fastest, sleekest model. Resist the urge to upgrade unless your current device really won’t work anymore. And join a group like the Electronics Take Back Coalition to help pressure companies to make their products safe and longer lasting. Finally, when you do toss out an electronic, be sure to give it to an E-Steward certified recycler so you know it won’t end up poisoning some developing country.
You know, the same goes for clothes. Buy the most durable ones you can afford. Buy less: share with friends! Take good care of them. Don’t buy into the hype to replace them just because the fashion changes every few months. When you have some that you’re honestly just sick of, invite some friends over for a clothes swap.
Tell us what you think: How do you handle planned (or perceived) obsolescence? Do you feel pressured to upgrade your electronics or your wardrobe before they're really worn out?
More from this series:
Questions for Annie Leonard, Part 1: The Problem With Greensumption
Questions for Annie Leonard, Part 2: What Can We Do About PVC?
Questions for Annie Leonard, Part 3: The Price of Our Stuff
