Planned Obsolescence: Good For Business, Bad For The Environment
Over the years, global production and consumption have adopted the traditional linear economy model that follows the take-make-dispose scheme. This scheme is characterized by mass production and the selling of products, irrational usage of resources that are not implemented in the final product, leading to raw materials and energy wastage, and carbon emission. One of the major drivers and problems of the linear economy model is planned obsolescence.
Planned obsolescence is a profit-making strategy employed by businesses to make products undesirable and useless over a short period. Obsolescence (the process of becoming unusable or unwanted) is planned right from the point of conception and design of a product and is intentionally built into the product. The idea is to design products with poor durability to keep customers coming back. Planned obsolescence is a significant driver of the global waste challenge facing today.
Every year 2.12 billion tons of waste are dumped, and the most disturbing fact is that about 99% of the stuff we buy is trashed within 6 months. Fifty million e-waste is produced annually. Reports have also found that almost one-third of the household appliances consumers dispose of were still functioning. Americans tossed out 151 million mobile devices in 2018, while a report from the UK revealed that 95% of UK households have mobile phones and more than half have at least one unused electronic device. Cars in Europe remain parked 92% of the time, while business offices are used for less than half of the working hours.
These examples and many more show the high-level waste generated from irrational material use for production and consumption, leading to severe environmental effects such as habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, overly stressed fisheries, and desertification
Types of planned Obsolescence
There are different types of planned obsolescence, and companies can adopt one or a combination of two or more of these strategies to get customers to repurchase products.
False durability
This engineered obsolescence involves using unreliable parts such as materials that break easily or degenerate faster. The products develop a mechanical failure within a predictable period, requiring you to repurchase the exact product or a slightly newer version. This is a common strategy used in the electronics business where the producer uses less durable or low-quality metals with a shorter lifespan.
Perceived obsolescence
This is a common strategy adopted by fast fashion business owners and smartphone technology companies. Companies adopt this clever marketing strategy by leveraging style, aesthetics, and consumers’ fear of missing out to persuade customers to replace a product even before its functionality is lost. Companies present their product as a status symbol. Thereby customers (in the pursuit of being in vogue) consistently upgrade to the latest model.
Software update/ system obsolescence
Software updates can drive consumers to throw out an old product and buy a new one. This strategy systematically makes a product outdated by modifying functions that won’t work with the older products, such as when we have old software programs not compatible with newer devise models or new software updates that won’t work on older models. Another strategy adopted by the producer, especially with products designed to be repaired by the producer, is removing services to repair products after a certain period.
What can be done to combat planned obsolescence?
Combating obsolescence is mainly achieved through behavioral and lifestyle changes on the part of the consumer. Below are a few things we can do to combat obsolescence at the individual level.
Refuse to buy
You can refuse to get swayed by the newest trends and refuse to buy. Advertising can be persuasive and enticing but remember that preserving the beautiful natural environment is paramount.
Support
Many brands are known for creating are made to last. Buying from such will also encourage other brands to follow the same path.
Buy second hand
Buying used products is an excellent way of keeping products in more extended use.
Demand extended warranties
Request more extended warranties for products or enroll in the manufacturer’s extended warranty program.
Repair
Repair products whenever possible or find a new use for the item; if your phone no longer allows you to make calls, it can still be used as a voice recorder, dictionary, etc.
Recycle
Products obsolescence is inevitable; when this happens, be sure to recycle items properly.
