The Cost of Convenience: Unpacking Planned Obsolescence

This chapter explores the growing phenomenon of planned obsolescence in household appliances, revealing how consumer choices are influenced by declining product durability and rising replacement rates. Statistics from a 2015 study are discussed, alongside anecdotal evidence from repair professionals, highlighting the frustrations consumers face with increasing repair costs and ineffective customer service. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the Right to Repair movement and the implications of a consumer-driven society on sustainability and product longevity.