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What’s Planned Obsolescence?

What’s Planned Obsolescence?

Buy less, buy smarter: Here's what planned obsolescence actually is, plus 8 specific ways to extend the life of both our appliances as well as our smart phones.


Planned Obsolescence: What It Is + What To Do About It

They just don’t make things the way they used to. It’s true: These days, electronics and appliances are often made with cheap parts that are designed to break just after warrantees expire.  But planned obsolescence is more than just cheap products; it’s automatic software updates that render our tech useless. It’s missing user manuals and discontinued parts, too.

The linear economy favors production, consumption, and—eventually—disposal. Not surprisingly, planned obsolescence creates extra and unnecessary waste and is a serious problem for our planet. Every year, up to 50 million tons of electronic waste is randomly disposed of, and e-waste, specifically, leaches hazardous chemicals into landfills as they break down which pollutes soil and waterways well beyond the confines of the dump.

On this week’s show I describe the sneaky ways planned obsolescence creates repeat customers out of the best of us. I offer 8 concrete tips for fighting back, too, as well as specific ideas on how to extend the lives of our smart phones.

Enjoy!

* Access this week’s Show Notes here.

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* Want more episodes like this one? Try #071 Conscious Consumerism for Real People.

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The Distorted Mirror

Cyberpsychology is an emerging field that examines the ways in which technology influences human behavior. On today's show we discuss what happens to our purchasing habits when psychology, sociology, and 21st century tech collide. Here's a preview: [1:30] Who you think you are is influenced by others (hello, looking glass self!) [8:30] It's human nature to compare and compete: Here's how and why we internalize social media messaging [16:00] 3 reasons why shoppers feel better when they purchase items that contribute to self-repair [20:00] 2 ways dopamine and online algorithms work together and entice us to buy   Resources mentioned/Further reading: The Digital Looking Glass Self (via Psychology Today) Buying: The Effect on Self-Worth Feelings and Consumer Well-Being  Why TikTok Made Us Buy It (via Psychology Today) Stay Free App This show is listener-supported. Thank you for supporting! Join our (free!) Facebook community here. Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on Facebook, Instagram + Youtube @sustainableminimalists Say hello! MamaMinimalistBoston@gmail.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Hello there, I’m Stephanie. I live a crazy, beautiful life as a full-time wife, blogger + mother to two spirited daughters. I’m on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living so as to greater enjoy life’s sweeter moments.

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