*End Planned Obsolescence*
The classic example was when light-bulb manufacturers “. . . formed a cartel and plotted to shorten the lifespan of incandescent bulbs – from an average of about 2500 hours down to 1000 hours or less. . . . Sales shot up and profits soared. The idea quickly caught on in other industries, and today planned obsolescence is a widespread feature of capitalist production.”
ALL Japanese Products, made in Japan for their population are built differently than the USA versions, where NO USA Citizen can purchase the Japanese version.
Often it only requires one weak part to end the usefulness of a product. “. . . mandatory extended warranties”, and “right to repair” legislation would compel producers to upgrade sub-standard parts and make parts accessible and replaceable. The additional production costs would be minimal.
“If washing machines and smartphones lasted four times longer, we would consume 75% fewer of them. That’s a big reduction of material throughput, without any negative impacts on people’s lives.” Further, “. . . people wouldn’t have to deal with the frustration and expense of constantly replacing their equipment.”
conspiracy theory