28 Dec 03
In australia ALL washing machines and refridgerators must have a sticker on them . This sticker is produced by an independent body and judges the machine in terms of water and electricity consumption.
I would like to see the same method for durability of items. This would address the problem of planned obsolescence.
Are there any countries already doing this? If so how does it go?
A concerned environmentalist and consumer.
28 Dec 03
Originally posted by flexmoreI subscribe to Consumer Reports. A good magazine. Kirk
In australia ALL washing machines and refridgerators must have a sticker on them . This sticker is produced by an independent body and judges the machine in terms of water and electricity consumption.
I would like to see the same method for durability of items. This would address the problem of planned obsolescence.
Are there any countries already doing this? If so how does it go?
A concerned environmentalist and consumer.
28 Dec 03
1 edit
Originally posted by flexmoreHow would it address planned obsolescence? Is "planned" any different than "natural"? If so... can we sigh up for planned death? It sounds much more organized than "unplanned".
In australia ALL washing machines and refridgerators must have a sticker on them . This sticker is produced by an independent body and judges the machine in terms of water and electricity consumption.
I would like to see the same met ...[text shortened]... f so how does it go?
A concerned environmentalist and consumer.
Yes... as to does anyone else see these meaningless stickers... we have them on all appliances that use more than a hundred watts of power per year. The only offshoot of dear mr. Jimmy Carters years in office. They mean nothing. But they sure can make you feel good!
Still struggling with the idea of entropy...
Mike
28 Dec 03
We have a national standards bureau. They test products for quality levels and then also 'put their mark' on it to certify the product's quality.
but...
If all companies build products that don't ever break there will be no competition and also no-one will have to buy new products because the old one broke down.
That's the bottom line - money makes the world go round.
28 Dec 03
Originally posted by flexmorean excellent idea, flexmore!
I would like to see the same method for durability of items. This would address the problem of planned obsolescence.
Are there any countries already doing this?
we don't have anything like it in canada that i know about - and interestingly enough durability doesn't show up as often as it used to in the advertising. they don't make 'em like they used to for sure with a lot of things.
in friendship,
prada
28 Dec 03
Originally posted by CrowleyI have an Idea. Let's pool our genius and build "universe proof appliances"... We can all donate our ideas to combat oxygen and time and make millions. What do you think? Save the earth and use no energy in doing it! Brilliant concept, no?
We have a national standards bureau. They test products for quality levels and then also 'put their mark' on it to certify the product's quality.
but...
If all companies build products that don't ever break there will be no competition and also no-one will have to buy new products because the old one broke down.
That's the bottom line - money makes the world go round.
My contribution is a little box that puts out about 10 thousand k watts per hour of free electricity. Then we have this "teflon/electro/absolute" inert thing that never wears out and we give them away because of our love of the mother planet.
Oh, having the great ability of inventing these gadgets... i leave it up to others to implement. Surely there are many earth savers out there with all the details.
Mike
29 Dec 03
1 edit
Originally posted by StarValleyWyyou seem to be suggesting there is an engineering difficulty when it comes to building durable products.
I have an Idea. Let's pool our genius and build "universe proof appliances"... We can all donate our ideas to combat oxygen and time and make millions. What do you think? Save the earth and use no energy in doing it! Brilliant conce ...[text shortened]... here are many earth savers out there with all the details.
Mike
you also seem to be suggesting breaking the "rules" of conservation of energy.
i am not sure which of these two suggestions is most ridiculous. i suspect one of yours was tongue in cheek.
i spose it was the conservation of energy one - it is a very old rule and rules are meant to be broken. the durability issue we see dealt with everyday.
p.s. i also struggle with entropy. i can give examiners the right answer, i can teach people about it, i have studied supposed math'l examples of it, but i don't believe it.
29 Dec 03
1 edit
Originally posted by Crowleyheroin dealers circulate money. therefore heroin should circulate?
If all companies build products that don't ever break there will be no competition and also no-one will have to buy new products because the old one broke down.
That's the bottom line - money makes the world go round.
NO
there are many ways for money to circulate. there is no need to build rubbish as the cash passes by.
29 Dec 03
3 edits
Originally posted by flexmorewell said, indeed! the resources available are not infinite.
there are many ways for money to circulate. there is no need to build rubbish as the cash passes by.
in the early 60s (i think) there was a life magazine issue that rejoiced in the fact that the writer felt our society had 'arrived', because things were now 'disposable'. it was cheaper to throw away things rather than rebuilt or recirculate. the inevitability of this logic was to be paid for by future generations.
in the late 70s (i think), pollution probe in toronto circulated a document about profiting from pollution whose influence helped promote the recycling businesses - an example of how money can still 'go around' without costing the earth.
if consumers would insist on not accepting 'accepted practices', things would and do change. everyone isn't out to make a fast buck and many genuinely try to put out good products at fair prices. the money game depends on those playing it and while some may try to dictate the rules, everyone doesn't have to follow.
in friendship,
prad
29 Dec 03
Originally posted by StarValleyWyI believe you are talking about the fuel cell. Great Idea. Really expensive.
I have an Idea. Let's pool our genius and build "universe proof appliances"... We can all donate our ideas to combat oxygen and time and make millions. What do you think? Save the earth and use no energy in doing it! Brilliant concept, no?
My contribution is a little box that puts out about 10 thousand k watts per hour of free electricity. Then we ...[text shortened]... others to implement. Surely there are many earth savers out there with all the details.
Mike
Mike