I sometimes ponder on the things I buy and the things in my house and wonder about their origins. In thinking about this I realize that almost everything I use and own comes from the raw earth and has been touched by human hands at some point. Is there anything you can think of in your house, office, or car that is the exception to this? Let me know if you come up with something.
There is this philosophy in the world of making goods that is called planned obsolescence. Basically what it means is that consumer goods should be designed and made to break or fall apart after a certain period of time. This time period should be long enough that the consumer doesn’t lose faith in the brand, but not any longer so that the consumer has to go out and buy a new one. I had never heard of it, but when I did I realized that I had felt it at some level for a long time and was affected by it, but hadn’t been able to articulate it. I just learned that even rappers are rapping about it. I think the time period between buying and breaking has become shorter and shorter. For my twin boys who are nine this is the only world they know. Toys are something you buy and not long after they break. I don’t remember agreeing to this.
There was a time when washing machines, refrigerators, vacuum cleaners lasted 20, 30 and sometimes 40 years. Have you had the experience of deciding to replace an appliance that you’ve had for 20 years and the replacement lasts only a fraction of that time? I had a vacuum cleaner that I’d had for over 10 years (honestly I lost count) and I decided it was time for a new one even though the old one still worked. I have now gone through three vacuum cleaners with one only lasting six months before the plastic handle broke off and the one I have now is marginally effective. This is after researching vacuum cleaners and reading the comments and ratings from other consumers. I miss my old vacuum cleaner.
On the other hand, I have this clock. I bought it over 20 years ago at a drug store. I was fairly young at the time and although I don’t remember what it cost I know I didn’t have much money so it couldn’t have been more than $20. As simple and cheap as this clock is, it still works after all these years. It lasted longer than my first marriage and longer than many other relationships. I love this clock because of what it represents. It just keeps on ticking.
I wonder how the people who make our everyday objects feel about what they make and how we treat what they make. Do they wish they had the freedom to make things that lasted longer? That their handiwork was more appreciated and not destined to a landfill after six months? Do they care? I wonder. I know much of what we buy comes from China, but I would like to know some of the hands and faces behind the everyday things I buy and live with.
Do you have a job that makes an everyday object? It would be great if you sent me a picture of yourself holding that product. If you are a bit shy you can always send a picture of just your hands holding the product with maybe a few words to make it personal. If you know of someone who makes an everyday object for a living would you past this post on to them? I will take the pictures I get and make a collage with them and post it with your permission. I wish I knew the people who made my clock. Then I could say thank you.