In essence, it says people should buy durable, repairable goods, not cheap stuff that breaks and must be thrown away, as an environmental statement. It takes more energy to manufacture new items than to repair the same items. It looks at the downside of that approach, as well, given the realities of global capitalism.
My take: As I write this, my 40-year-old Maytag washing machine is faithfully doing another load. Yes, we bought it in 1970! It was made in the USA.
No fancy electronics to break down. It has metal parts, not plastic. It just keeps going. It's been repaired maybe twice in 40 years, both times minor things. A repairman told me several years ago that this model is no longer manufactured, but is cherished by many. Including me.
After a bad experience with a Sears dryer, I have vowed never to buy another major appliance with electronic components. It failed completely in less than a year, was replaced under warranty, then the electronics failed again. I keep using it, but cannot use all its expensive features such as timed drying. It's a dog. The lint filter doesn't even work right. I'm hoping it will quit permanently, to be replaced.
I will look for a reconditioned older dryer without electronics. Just mechanical controls. Towels and other big items go to a wooden drying rack in the basement, where the dehumidifier is running. They dry overnight, as if they were outside on a clothes line.
Computers and other electronics: They break down regularly. I just spent almost $100 to have an older HP computer repaired (its power pack mysteriously quit -- why?), after some said it couldn't be fixed. Now it's doing well again. It's an extra, but useful at times as a backup.
I still have a 90's model Gateway that works fine, and has a couple of features such as a very small font that newer computers lack. It's also a backup.
When my cell phone quit holding a charge, I replaced it for an upgrade, but did not replace my husband's phone, which is still working well, since he hardly ever uses it. Money and energy saved.
Bonus with electronics: the time saved trying to figure out how the new ones work.
Vehicles: We just paid a skilled mechanic over $1,000 to rehab a 2000 Toyota Avalon that we had given to our daughter and her family a few years ago. That's a great car, even at 150,000 miles. It should run another 100,000 miles, the mechanic said. Replacing it would cost many thousands. The repairs were a birthday present. It's a big, safe car with airbags for teen drivers.
We learned long ago to keep vehicles until it costs more to repair them than replace them. We have given them to our daughter's family with two teenage drivers. We and they have saved uncountable dollars on that plan, as well as helping save the planet.
The article makes the point that people need to learn new attitudes: that 'fashion' need not be followed, that vintage quality clothing and other items, including solid furniture, show one's taste and concern for the environment.
That's a lesson worth imparting for the holidays.
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