Why do we "WASTE"? What is "WASTE"?

I thought we might open this up for discussion. Granted the word covers a broad area. Let's see where it goes. Do we have the technology to eliminate "planned obselescence". If so what are the repercussions of that and what are the benefits. Why are our closets, attics, garages, storage units so full of "stuff" we will in all probability never use again.

Thanks,
William

I think what we might call waste is not very prevalent in the world. It is probably most prevalent in the U.S., where there is an abundance of "needs", and the wealth to purchase these needs.

I guess you can look at needs at many levels. It does go to the desire for security in the world.

But, I believe, at the most basic level, accumulating stuff is a way to pass time, that all of one society has decided to participate in. Sort of a game. And the more we accumulate the more we can show, and show off, and of course the one with the most - WINS! a la Donald Trump.

There are a few downsides to this game, however:

1) It is exhausting trying to retain ownership and maintain all of this stuff. It is unhealthy.

2) It is very, very expensive to play this game. At the peak, last year, Debt/Disposable Income, in the U.S. reached 130%. Other countries also had similar percentages. Since, people cannot reasonably afford to pay back this debt, they go bankrupt, and the people who loaned them the money go bankrupt, etc... and all of a sudden the game has wiped out the finances of millions of people, not unlike Monopoly.

So, I think it is on to a new game in the U.S. People are bankrupt, exhausted, and are probably going to figure out some other thing to do in their life, other than stuff their faces and homes with stuff.

Rich

Thank you Rich,
Condersiding "planned obsolescense", do you think it is the individuals fault or was it as the phrase suggests, a planned strategy?
William

Hi William,
On the other hand, the customer is a "willing" player in this game.
Rich

Now your response was accurate, as assessing the "status quo". Thank you. Now let's slow down a little here as we analyze the words you used and talk about those, if we may.
The word I have highlighted is, IMO, a very critical word in our discussions. Could we possibly replace that word with "seduced" rather than willing.

William

Hi William,

I can't quite draw the distinction in the interaction between the consumer and the provider of the goods - or the marketing/advertising that they use.

I would probably guess that it is a mutually agreeable interaction, in the way most people enter into games. Both sides agree to play, and they agree on the rules, and they play.

From what I can see, the consumers are enjoying themselves silly with the game - until they ultimately had to pay back their debt, and realized they couldn't. Ditto, for all the providers who willing provided goods and loans, until they realized that they weren't going to be paid back. So it was all fun and joy, until distaster struck. In tarot, it is called the Towers card - destruction before renewal. Supposedly, the game players learn a lesson from the wreckage. To be seen ...

Rich

So you are saying "seduction" or "entrapment" have nothing to do with it?
William

I thought we might open this up for discussion. Granted the word covers a broad area. Let's see where it goes. Do we have the technology to eliminate "planned obselescence". If so what are the repercussions of that and what are the benefits. Why are our closets, attics, garages, storage units so full of "stuff" we will in all probability never use again.

Thanks,
William