Why everything you buy is worse now?

Have you taken a moment to observe the pervasive sense of dissatisfaction with the quality of goods these days? It's not just about the overarching global issues; it's about the items we purchase, which seem to fall short compared to their predecessors from a decade ago. This reflection was triggered by a simple anecdote shared by my colleague Izzie about replacing a bra. I mean, I followed the logical course of action any reasonable person would: ordered the exact same bra from the exact same store. Yet, within a few weeks, it disintegrated. This incident prompted me to delve deeper into a phenomenon echoed by many in my social circles – the rapid deterioration of everyday items, be it coffee machines, phones, computers, or sweaters. They seem to fray, malfunction, or disintegrate far sooner than they used to. So, what's the deal? And is there a way to break free from this cycle of consumer dissatisfaction?

Let's start by dissecting the fundamental aspect of product creation – the design process. When a company embarks on creating a product, let's say, a jacket, three key considerations come into play: functionality, appearance, and manufacturability. A successful product typically strikes a balance between these aspects. However, in recent years, this equilibrium has been disrupted. Take clothing, for instance. In the past, acquiring a new jacket involved visiting a tailor, selecting materials, and having it custom-made. Then came the era of mass-produced garments available in department stores, offering an array of options by the '80s and '90s. Fast forward to today, where online shopping has become the norm, with a simple click replacing the tactile experience of physically inspecting a product. But it's not just the mode of purchase that has changed; it's the frequency too. And for this, we can partly attribute our consumerist tendencies to Ernest Elmo, who, during the Great Depression, advocated for the concept of planned obsolescence, albeit under the guise of "consumer engineering."

The premise is simple: trends change rapidly, rendering last season's purchases obsolete. Consequently, consumers are compelled to keep up with the latest trends, leading to frequent purchases. A 2021 survey revealed that nearly 40% of UK consumers buy clothing as frequently as once a month. Similarly, data from the UN indicates a staggering increase in clothing consumption between 2000 and 2014, accompanied by a decrease in the lifespan of each item. This voracious appetite for consumption, coupled with the reluctance to splurge on durable goods, fuels a relentless cycle of demand for low-cost products.

But why the decline in quality? One might wonder, "Why does my washing machine break down so easily?" The answer lies in the realm of technology. Initially, the rapid evolution of devices justified frequent upgrades, as each iteration boasted substantial advancements in functionality. However, the pace of innovation has slowed considerably, prompting manufacturers to resort to minor tweaks to entice consumers into purchasing newer models. Furthermore, the complexity of modern devices often renders them unrepairable, as manufacturers prioritize disposability over repairability.

This conundrum extends beyond household appliances to encompass a wide array of technological gadgets. From phones to toasters, manufacturers prioritize profit margins over product longevity, resorting to cost-cutting measures that compromise quality. Consequently, consumers find themselves trapped in a cycle of perpetual consumption, perpetuated by an insatiable demand for the latest gadgets.

Despite the grim outlook, there's hope on the horizon. Advocacy efforts for the right to repair have gained traction, culminating in legislative victories such as New York State's right to repair bill. Similarly, adopting a mindful approach to consumption, steering clear of fleeting trends and prioritizing quality over quantity, can foster a more sustainable consumer culture. By reclaiming control over our purchasing habits and demanding transparency and accountability from manufacturers, we can strive towards a future where products are built to last, not destined for obsolescence.