Why everything you buy is worse now

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Have you ever found yourself frustrated by how quickly things break or become obsolete? It’s a common feeling, and it’s not just you. From bras to phones to coffee machines, it seems like everything we buy today just doesn’t last as long as it used to. This shift towards lower-quality, fast-replaceable goods didn’t happen overnight, but understanding why might help us figure out how to navigate—and maybe even fix—this problem.

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The Decline of Durability

Think back a decade or two. Items like clothing, electronics, and home appliances were built to last. They were investments, and it was common to expect them to stick around for years. But today, things seem to wear out or break down much sooner. This isn’t a coincidence—there are some underlying factors at play.

1. The Fast Fashion Trap

- In the past, buying a jacket meant going to a tailor or a quality department store. Now, we just click "add to cart" online without ever touching the fabric. Clothes were once made from durable materials, but today’s products often use cheaper synthetic substitutes to cut costs.

- Fashion cycles are also moving faster than ever. What’s trendy today could be outdated in months, and with brands catering to these micro-trends, consumers are encouraged to constantly replace their wardrobes. According to the UN, from 2000 to 2014, clothing purchases increased by 60%, while we keep each item only half as long.

2. The Technology Treadmill

- The first wave of computers and smartphones made big, noticeable leaps in technology. Upgrading every couple of years made sense when new devices had groundbreaking features. But now, many updates are cosmetic or minimal. A new phone might offer a slightly better camera or a fun ringtone, but is it worth the price?

- Even worse, many modern gadgets are designed to be difficult, if not impossible, to repair. From phones to appliances, manufacturers often don’t provide tools or spare parts, making it easier—and often cheaper—to replace something entirely rather than fix it.

The Economic Push for Cheap, Fast Goods

This all leads back to a concept called consumer engineering, introduced during the Great Depression by Ernest Elmo. His idea was simple: encourage people to buy new products not because they need to, but because they want to. Companies have taken this idea and run with it.

Today, people want to buy a lot of things, and they want them cheap. This demand pushes manufacturers to cut corners. Whether it’s using cheaper materials or simplifying production methods, they’re driven to keep costs low to meet consumer expectations. Even as labor and material costs rise, consumers are hesitant to pay more for things they’ve bought for less in the past. As a result, quality suffers.

Planned Obsolescence: The Invisible Hand

This concept, known as planned obsolescence, is baked into many products we buy today. Companies design goods with shorter lifespans, ensuring you’ll be back for a replacement sooner than later. It’s not just about fashion trends; even major appliances, like washing machines or dishwashers, are built with an expiration date in mind.

Can We Fix This?

While the current consumer system might feel overwhelming, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are some actions we can take to regain control:

1. Support the Right to Repair

- Many advocates are fighting to make repairs easier for consumers. In 2022, New York State passed a landmark Right to Repair bill. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start, and it shows that consumer pressure can lead to real change.

- If more states pass similar laws, it will push companies to make parts, tools, and instructions available, giving us more options to fix what we own.

2. Buy With Intention

- When it comes to fashion, avoid fast trends and cheap replacements. Instead, invest in high-quality pieces that will last and learn how to care for them properly. This might mean spending more upfront, but it will save you money (and frustration) in the long run.

3. Take Action

- If you’re tired of low-quality goods, let your voice be heard. Groups like the Repair Association have tools to help you contact local representatives and share your repair stories. Over 100,000 people have done this, and it’s made a difference.

Conclusion

The world of consumer goods might seem like a mess right now, but we’re not powerless. By shifting our buying habits and advocating for our right to repair and quality products, we can take back some control. After all, these things are supposed to serve us—not the other way around.