Products

Is it ethical for companies to make products that are designed to break quickly (planned obsolescence)?

For

It drives innovation and keeps prices low.

Against

It creates waste and exploits consumers.

Anonymous excerpts, translated where noted.

For

  • Replacing an inexpensive product can cost less than repairing an old design with scarce parts.
    RedditOriginal language: English
  • Frequent replacement keeps manufacturers improving speed, features and production efficiency.
    RedditOriginal language: English

Against

  • Products designed to fail push consumers into buying the same item repeatedly and create needless waste.
    RedditOriginal language: English
  • Small financial incentives can sharply reduce consumption of disposable products.
    RedditOriginal language: English
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