Why everything you buy is worse now

Summary

This video explores the decline in the quality and durability of consumer goods over the past decade, highlighting the role of fast fashion, planned obsolescence, and technology in driving disposable consumer culture. The speaker discusses how products like clothing, electronics, and appliances are designed for short-term use, with companies cutting corners to meet consumer demand for cheaper and faster items. The video emphasizes the importance of conscious buying, supporting the right to repair, and making intentional choices to reduce waste and extend the lifespan of products.

Takeaways

• 😀 Consumers are experiencing lower-quality products than they did 10 years ago, with items like bras, coffee machines, and phones breaking more quickly.
• 😀 The concept of 'planned obsolescence' or 'consumer engineering' was introduced in the 1930s to drive consumers to buy products more frequently, even if their old products were still functional.
• 😀 The speed of trend cycles, such as in fashion, has escalated, making consumers buy more and replace items more quickly, contributing to lower product longevity.
• 😀 Fashion trends are moving faster than ever, with consumers often buying clothing monthly, but the quality of these items has decreased.
• 😀 As product demand increases and consumers expect lower prices, companies have had to reduce manufacturing costs by using cheaper materials and simpler construction methods.
• 😀 Consumers today expect the same price for products, even though labor costs have risen, leading to cost-cutting in production, affecting quality.
• 😀 Technological products like phones and computers were once updated with major breakthroughs, but now, changes between models are smaller and incremental, pushing consumers to buy for minor upgrades.
• 😀 A major issue with technology is the design of products that are difficult or impossible to repair, often due to manufacturers not providing repair tools, parts, or documentation.
• 😀 Many modern products, such as phones, toasters, and even cars, now have built-in chips or circuits that make them nearly impossible to repair at home, contributing to a culture of disposal.
• 😀 Consumers have the power to improve the situation by supporting the right to repair movements and by making more intentional purchasing decisions to avoid fast fashion and micro trends.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The script discusses how consumer products, from clothing to technology, have become of lower quality and wear out faster than they used to, partly due to planned obsolescence and the pressure of fast consumer cycles.

How does the concept of 'planned obsolescence' affect product quality?

Planned obsolescence is a strategy where products are designed to wear out or become outdated quickly, pushing consumers to buy new products more frequently. This leads to products breaking or losing relevance sooner, often due to cheaper materials and faster manufacturing.

What role did Ernest Elmo play in the development of planned obsolescence?

Ernest Elmo, in the 1930s, proposed the idea of 'consumer engineering' (now known as planned obsolescence), suggesting that products should be made to go out of style or wear out quickly, encouraging consumers to purchase replacements.

How has consumer behavior changed over the years regarding purchases?

Consumers now buy products more frequently, often online without seeing them in person, and keep items for shorter periods. This trend has been exacerbated by the speed of fashion and tech trends and the lower cost of mass-produced goods.

Why do consumers expect to pay less for products despite inflation and rising labor costs?

Consumers have become accustomed to buying products at similar or even lower prices over time, even as labor costs rise. This expectation is due to the fast turnover of products and the desire for cheaper options, which often compromises quality.

How do companies keep prices low while increasing production speed?

To keep prices low while producing more quickly, companies often cut costs by using cheaper materials, reducing production quality, and adopting manufacturing methods that are faster but less durable.

What specific changes have been observed in the technology industry regarding product upgrades?

In the tech industry, upgrades are now more incremental rather than revolutionary. Minor adjustments are made year after year to encourage consumers to buy the newest models, even when the differences are not significant in terms of functionality.

Why are many modern products difficult or impossible to repair?

Many modern products are designed with parts that are difficult to repair, using materials like plastic and glue instead of metal and screws. Additionally, companies often do not provide repair tools, parts, or even diagnostic information, making it harder for consumers to fix their products.

What are some steps consumers can take to combat the cycle of fast consumption?

Consumers can avoid micro-trends, buy with intention, and take care of the products they own by maintaining them properly. Supporting the right to repair and advocating for better manufacturing practices can also help reduce the problem.

What progress has been made regarding the right to repair, particularly in New York?

In 2022, New York passed a right-to-repair bill, which allows consumers more freedom to repair their products. This is part of a larger movement to push companies to make products that are easier to repair and to make parts and tools more accessible.