We all have things - clothes, electronics, furniture - that has unexpectedly lasted for decades. But most of our stuff falls apart annoyingly quickly.
So is it possible to buy only stuff that lasts? And how? https://www.ft.com/content/aff9cb4b-dc28-44ad-b192-4f5acde03cd6
So is it possible to buy only stuff that lasts? And how? https://www.ft.com/content/aff9cb4b-dc28-44ad-b192-4f5acde03cd6
Comments
I'm using a pixel 6 to post this. I replaced the screen myself. It was a pain but super cheap.
Never underestimate the right to repair
“Buying for life is therefore an emotional commitment as much as an economic calculation.”
For every green who reflexively rails against marketing and advertising the paradox is its practices also holds the key to making sustainable consumption desirable.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/scotttalan_the-anti-shein-manifesto-my-quest-to-buy-activity-7288915444189519872-KBwp
Now that I'm looking at it more closely, is there also a bit for cracking nuts in between the garlic press and the cherry pitter? It feels like I'm really pushing my luck here but the serrated bit looks like it might provide grip.
https://www.fairphone.com/
Research is a much underrated activity.
https://longtimelabel.com/en/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-durability-index/
1 yr old, showed EU direction:
https://theewastecolumn.substack.com/p/what-is-the-eus-current-take-on-the
Now I continue to use it.
It failed at Christmas - under 18 months old.
(has now been repaired)
Simple design, parts are generally standardised from that era, easily replaced (brakes pads, cables, even gearing etc). Need to hunt for parts on eBay rather than local bike shop so takes a bit of faff.
Beautiful bicycles👍
Whats the max tire clearance on the Royal and the Randonneur?
Saw some Royals with quite fat tires and wondering about the clearance through the centerpulls...
(I own enough 32mm capable Randos ;))
Buyers didn't ask for that.
Creates wants through advertising , keeping up with the Jones
Consumer Capitalism creates the ‘ throw away society ‘
Borrow to buy , Capital wins again . Hire purchase .
Beko fridge freezer £379 2017. Broke down 2019. Under TWO YEARS use.
Parents' "Leisure 75" gas oven and hob unit bought 1966, still going well 2014. FORTY EIGHT YEARS use (and maybe still going).
First house 1984, moved, so clear out, 8 times including one divorce.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boots_theory
And, people should realize that rechargeable batteries do not last forever, no matter the price tag. So, unless a device is designed for user-replaceable batteries, its lifespan is limited.
https://terrypratchett.com/explore-discworld/sam-vimes-boots-theory-of-socio-economic-unfairness/
Benjamin Franklin
Don’t buy an Audi, go for a Škoda or a Seat instead, good quality is not directly linked to price.
The thing that kills modern cars is neither, rust, nor engine failure, but the death of the electronics, sensors and on-board computers.
Early 1990s BMWs and Audis are probably in the sweet spot and can last for decades if serviced.
I still have my dad's 70s black and decker drill.
I think it’s the post war make do and mend culture coming back through the lens of ‘I only want to do this once’.
Only disappointment is that this meme was not used.
Competitively priced examples in many antique/charity shops will last a lifetime.
I’m a sucker for those Tala (?) V-shaped measuring tin cups - highly inaccurate but who cares?
That way your money is going on build quality, not features you’ll never use.