Changing Minds Through Changing One's Own Mind

by Laura Matthews

When this class began, I was a new comer to the Eco-blogging and sustainability. I had no clue what the heck planned obsolescence even was. I discovered planned obsolescence is the process of making objects for the economic market that purposely become outdated or break after a certain period of time.

My initial thought reaction was this is a scandalous method and it can’t possibly happen that much.  Oh how wide my eyes became as I found out most aspects of consumer products are methodically made to become irrelevant or break.

My second reaction was what the heck?! This must have some type of really bad impact on the world ecosystem right??? Yes. It does.  According to worldbank.org by 2100, the growing urban populations will produce three times as much waste as is produced today!

I wanted to start making a difference right away. I searched for small feasible ways to help combat this planned obsolescence thinking while not breaking my bank. I am hoping you too can consider making these small changes which I have found successful in helping the cause against planned obsolescence:

•   Recycle bags and food containers instead of throwing them in the garbage right away
•  Find new ways to use old clothes and sheets such as converting clothes and sheets into costumes or pillowcases or dust rags
• Invest in protective gear to safe house your electronics so they have a chance of surviving until the very end of their shelf life
•  Donate old things such as books, tires and out dated toys to friends or organizations that can convert or use them

Let these suggestions inspire you to get creative and consider making small changes against planned obsolescence that make a big impact on our ecological world.