Planned obsolescence

The planned obsolescence is a strategy in which the products are scheduled to have a shorter life than the current technology could enable, or become exceeded for new releases. This system induces the individual to become a constant consumer and sometimes unaware of the buying cycle in which it was involved.

            As much as many companies are able to justify that come from the constant technological advancement, how can we accept or explain to ourselves that our products last less than a year, your repair cost is greater than that of a new device, or exchanged a in perfect condition with one that sometimes just has a different design?

            Currently mobile phones and smartphones are as less durable products, and some research argue that the most common habits among Brazilians after the purchase of a new product is to sell these previous or save it in your home. It demonstrates awareness that these products can be reused or that they bring risks when discarded into regular trashes.

                However, there is still a lack of awareness that the regular exchange of products increases the production of waste in a different scale, from manufacture to distribution; that there will be energy costs, raw material and emissions throughout the process. And so, you are not only paying money for this product, but with your health and well-being of the environment.

Image: http://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2013/03/20/1014539_planned-obsolescence-the-scourge-of-frugality.html

Anna Karolina Osório Pimentel (Translation: Fernanda Romero)