Companies have been locked into a business model rooted in the concept of planned obsolescence. To grow, at least the way economists defined it, corporations have to sell us more stuff every year. There are ever changing products made from low quality, or even toxic, mater materials by people working in unjust conditions. Planned obsolescence is why we see software mysteriously slow down and furniture designed with hollow legs and cheap staples. We're going to talk about fast fashion on the maxima episode this week.
The Minimalists talk about practical, reliable, and durable goods and the social, moral, and environmental responsibilities of the companies that produce them, and they answer the following questions:
Where did you get the idea for the title, “The Good Goods”? (01:50)
Is there a curated list somewhere on the Internet of companies that sell high-quality, durable goods that also take responsibility for their social and environmental impact? (05:23)
What is “impact anxiety”? (16:45)
What is “corporate social responsibility”? (22:55)
Do dollar stores sell any high-quality items? (25:23)
How has planned obsolescence changed our shopping habits? (36:31)
What are the benefits of buying locally? (42:08)
How do we find items that are high-quality and appropriately priced? (48:30)
Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast
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