Some things are just built differently and can last you a lifetime. However, today, we get less and less products that we could say the same about. Due to ourconsumerism culture, we can afford more stuff that breaks rather quickly compared to some vintage items and even electronics that people bought back in the day.Knowing that collectively we create 2.12 billion tons of waste per year, which directly contributes to climate change, among other issues, it’s safe to say that celebrating products that last you longer is truly important. Therefore, today, we would like to share some of the exemplary items shared on the subredditr/BuyItForLifethat these people continue to use even a decade or more later. Yes, it might look like you are being transported back in time, but trends do circulate, and some of the things are looking pretty trendy to me!This post may includeaffiliate links.
Some things are just built differently and can last you a lifetime. However, today, we get less and less products that we could say the same about. Due to ourconsumerism culture, we can afford more stuff that breaks rather quickly compared to some vintage items and even electronics that people bought back in the day.
Knowing that collectively we create 2.12 billion tons of waste per year, which directly contributes to climate change, among other issues, it’s safe to say that celebrating products that last you longer is truly important. Therefore, today, we would like to share some of the exemplary items shared on the subredditr/BuyItForLifethat these people continue to use even a decade or more later. Yes, it might look like you are being transported back in time, but trends do circulate, and some of the things are looking pretty trendy to me!
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Nowadays, we are used to items or electronics serving us for a couple of years before they break, and if you haven’t extended your warranty, it is probably cheaper to get a new one. Over that time, there would be new models that emerged and trends that have changed, so it is probably for the best that yours broke or didn’t stand the test of time, right?Well, if our priority of convenience and instant gratification comes above durability and longevity, this might seem like a win-win; however, this outlook has some serious issues in the long term.
Nowadays, we are used to items or electronics serving us for a couple of years before they break, and if you haven’t extended your warranty, it is probably cheaper to get a new one. Over that time, there would be new models that emerged and trends that have changed, so it is probably for the best that yours broke or didn’t stand the test of time, right?
Well, if our priority of convenience and instant gratification comes above durability and longevity, this might seem like a win-win; however, this outlook has some serious issues in the long term.
To learn more about those issues and how to become a more mindful consumer,Bored Pandareached out to Kathryn Kellogg, the founder of the blogGoing Zero Waste, who kindly shared her experience.First of all, Kathryn shared what inspired her to start focusing on sustainability and longevity within her blogging journey. “I started practicing many of these habits out of financial necessity and for health reasons. I started reducing my exposure to endocrine disruptors which are found in a lot of products we come into daily contact with.”
To learn more about those issues and how to become a more mindful consumer,Bored Pandareached out to Kathryn Kellogg, the founder of the blogGoing Zero Waste, who kindly shared her experience.
First of all, Kathryn shared what inspired her to start focusing on sustainability and longevity within her blogging journey. “I started practicing many of these habits out of financial necessity and for health reasons. I started reducing my exposure to endocrine disruptors which are found in a lot of products we come into daily contact with.”
It all clicked for me when I moved to California that the changes I was making to my personal health weren’t only better for me, they were also better for the planet.
I started my bloggoingzerowaste.combecause I wanted people to know they could save money, be healthier, and be more eco-friendly.”
Kathryn shared her thoughts on how our current consumer culture contributes to the decline in the longevity of products, and what steps individuals can take to combat this trend.“We live in a linear economy and our earth has limited resources.Basically, we take resources from the earth, we manufacture them into products, and then we throw them into a giant hole in the ground. Living this way is unsustainable and eventually, we will run out of resources.Companies during the 1980s started to realize to drive more growth, products needed to be very difficult to repair and that they need to break quicker.The quicker you can break a product the quicker you can make a new sale.This is called planned obsolescence, which is instilling in the buyer a desire to own something a little newer, better, and sooner than is necessary.”
Kathryn shared her thoughts on how our current consumer culture contributes to the decline in the longevity of products, and what steps individuals can take to combat this trend.
“We live in a linear economy and our earth has limited resources.
Basically, we take resources from the earth, we manufacture them into products, and then we throw them into a giant hole in the ground. Living this way is unsustainable and eventually, we will run out of resources.
Companies during the 1980s started to realize to drive more growth, products needed to be very difficult to repair and that they need to break quicker.
The quicker you can break a product the quicker you can make a new sale.
This is called planned obsolescence, which is instilling in the buyer a desire to own something a little newer, better, and sooner than is necessary.”
Kathryn continued: “In other words, our consumer culture was literally marketed to us for profit over the planet.
Kathryn shared a few examples of products or brands that she believes epitomize longevity and sustainability in today’s market.“I think the brand Plaine Products does a great job of showcasing a circular economy in motion. They sell sustainable hair and skincare products in aluminum containers that you can ship back to them when empty to be reused.They will then send you refills in return. There’s absolutely no waste, and there’s a subscription service that ensures you’re not overconsuming. Also, their shipping packaging is plastic-free.Also, Sabai Design is another great example: They’re a furniture company that not only uses upcycled materials in their products but promotes repairability.”
Kathryn shared a few examples of products or brands that she believes epitomize longevity and sustainability in today’s market.
“I think the brand Plaine Products does a great job of showcasing a circular economy in motion. They sell sustainable hair and skincare products in aluminum containers that you can ship back to them when empty to be reused.
They will then send you refills in return. There’s absolutely no waste, and there’s a subscription service that ensures you’re not overconsuming. Also, their shipping packaging is plastic-free.
Also, Sabai Design is another great example: They’re a furniture company that not only uses upcycled materials in their products but promotes repairability.”
“For example, every part of their couches can be repaired. They offer replacement components for sofa legs, pillowcases, cushion covers, and even inserts. This makes it so much easier to keep the same couch for years to come, even if one part of it gets damaged.And my own company Kayaness is focused on sustainable design in our products. We make reusable period underwear with matching loungewear. From sourcing thicker and heavy-duty materials, manufacture in house to have the greatest control over quality to produce a garment that should stand the test of a lot of use and washes.”
“For example, every part of their couches can be repaired. They offer replacement components for sofa legs, pillowcases, cushion covers, and even inserts. This makes it so much easier to keep the same couch for years to come, even if one part of it gets damaged.
And my own company Kayaness is focused on sustainable design in our products. We make reusable period underwear with matching loungewear. From sourcing thicker and heavy-duty materials, manufacture in house to have the greatest control over quality to produce a garment that should stand the test of a lot of use and washes.”
A good habit to develop is to ask yourself if you plan on using an item more than once. If the answer is no, try to see if you can borrow the item from someone you know who already has one!
Also, make sure you love the item you’re going to buy, as you’ll be more inclined to take care of it. Stepping away from a purchase and waiting at least 30 days is a good test to see how much it means to you: If you’re not still thinking about it after 30 days, you definitely don’t need it.”
We were wondering how promoting the concept of “buy it for life” can positively impact not only individuals but also larger environmental and societal issues.Kathryn wrote: “When you buy something for life, you are saving money in the long run. Sure, it may cost more up front. But think about how much it would cost you to pay for a new couch every five years as opposed to just once.On top of this, you will be paying for a higher-quality item, which probably means everyone involved in making said item will get paid a living wage. You should always check for third-party certifications, to ensure the manufacturers can back up their claims.”
We were wondering how promoting the concept of “buy it for life” can positively impact not only individuals but also larger environmental and societal issues.
Kathryn wrote: “When you buy something for life, you are saving money in the long run. Sure, it may cost more up front. But think about how much it would cost you to pay for a new couch every five years as opposed to just once.
On top of this, you will be paying for a higher-quality item, which probably means everyone involved in making said item will get paid a living wage. You should always check for third-party certifications, to ensure the manufacturers can back up their claims.”
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And lastly, Kathryn added: “Try your best to reduce the amount of items you buy as a whole. We’re constantly marketed to buy more “stuff” on social media, television, and online. But the truth is, more stuff isn’t going to make us happier.Instead, focusing on your relationships and forming meaningful connections will bring deeper happiness that lasts.Consider becoming more involved in your local community. Get to know your neighbors, attend potlucks, visit your local farmers’ market, host cleanups, attend workshops. When we foster a sense of community, we feel connected and happier, all while working towards a more circular economy.”
And lastly, Kathryn added: “Try your best to reduce the amount of items you buy as a whole. We’re constantly marketed to buy more “stuff” on social media, television, and online. But the truth is, more stuff isn’t going to make us happier.
Instead, focusing on your relationships and forming meaningful connections will bring deeper happiness that lasts.
Consider becoming more involved in your local community. Get to know your neighbors, attend potlucks, visit your local farmers' market, host cleanups, attend workshops. When we foster a sense of community, we feel connected and happier, all while working towards a more circular economy.”
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