This months edition of Wallpaper Magazine is making us all rethink "The New Sustainability". Inside, there is a completely to-the-point, non cryptic article that reiterates the effectiveness of the cradle to cradle approach of reusing old objects and materials to create new products.
The writer here, John-Paul Flintoff, delves into the past and looks at how we have evolved from a world where 'frenzied consumption' was encouraged to create a productive economy - seeking satisfaction both mentally and physically when embarking on a ritual to spend.
For manufacturers, planned obsolescence was the key. First they would design their products to eventually fall apart and then they moved to altering the aesthetics in order to entice customers in buying the gadgets with all the latest features. But now that we are all so consumed about the well-being of the planet, where does this leave the economy?
Today, all of our emphasis seems to fall on conservation. As designers, and even consumers, we are all far more conscious of the impact our choices make. If we stop buying though, we will be pushing ourselves further into debt. But if we continue to manufacture with the intention of creating products with a short life span where does that leave the environment?
Just a little something to ponder as you head to the shops this weekend...
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