Recently, my husband has been complaining that his socks wear out in no time.

“They don’t even last a year anymore!” he exclaims, pointing out that, most of his life, he got several years’ use or more out of them.

He’s right, of course.  Gone are the “Maytag years” when companies bragged about how long their products lasted and how few repairs were needed.

Now, many companies, especially those in the technology sector, build their business model around obsolescence.  It is no longer a by-product of producing a consumer good, it is part of the business model that fuels growth.  It’s a way of attracting new customers and getting past customers to return for an upgrade or a new purchase sooner than they might have expected.

Consider the turnover in cell phones, computers, cameras, tablet devices, and even autos, where leasing is encouraged.

A number of years ago, we visited my sister and brother-in-law.  Bob had just purchased a 72 inch TV and entertainment center. Several weeks after we returned, my husband announced that he had just bought a new TV.  It was quite a bit larger than the one we had at the time.  Then, because none of our old equipment would work with it, he had to purchase a new video unit to watch DVDs. As we were dragging the monstrously heavy television up the stairs and into the house, I testily accused my husband of electronic p-nis envy.

“But our old TV is too small for the room!”  he exclaimed.

Within three years, the d-mn thing gave out and we were back to our smaller stand-by that, in truth, was small for the huge living room we had at the time. Ironically, it still worked just fine.

For Christmas, we finally got a 51 inch TV “from Santa,” since our old one was about to give up the ghost.  It looks and works great, but I wonder how long it will last.

This morning, my husband announced,” The next time we go for a television, we may not be able to get a decent model under 100 inches.  I read online that’s what they’re showing at all the electronics shows now. How would you ship one? I bet you can’t get them through a lot of doors.”

Next thing you know, some manufacturer will create a television that will be designed to act as an actual wall to a building, solving the second issue.

My problem with all this? In an environment of climate change, global warming and reduced carbon footprints, I’d like to know that companies are taking an environmentally responsible position on growth.  I’d also like to know that we’re not teaching our children that the only way to be happy is by having the biggest, newest, shiniest toy just as it comes out.

At lunch the other day, two friends and I were discussing economic growth and the measurement of GDP.

“It’s ridiculous that our country’s economic growth is measured by consumerism,” one of my friends declared.

Indeed.

I’m not saying development and enhancements should stop, but isn’t it time for companies and governments to come up with a more forward-thinking model of success and economic growth  not based on obsolescence?

Photo by Romexico, used under creative commons license.