Planned Obsolescence: A Threat to the Environment

It has become increasingly evident that many products—especially high-tech devices—now have significantly shorter lifespans than in the past.

Smartphones, for instance, often start to slow down after a relatively short period. Over time, software updates may no longer be supported, and key applications may stop functioning properly.

Similarly, when household appliances break down, the cost of repair is frequently so high—or the components so difficult to replace—that consumers are often encouraged to purchase a new product rather than fix the old one.

This phenomenon is known as planned obsolescence: a strategy whereby the useful life of consumer goods is deliberately limited to boost continuous consumption and sustain economic turnover.

Actually, planned obsolescence is not a recent phenomenon—it originated with the rise of industrial society in 1924.
Its roots can be traced back to the advent of the first electric light bulbs, which were initially capable of lasting for extended periods without burning out. At that time, major incandescent bulb manufacturers around the world, concerned about declining sales, agreed to set a significantly shorter lifespan for their products. This agreement led to the creation of the Phoebus cartel, founded in Geneva, Switzerland, which arbitrarily limited the lifespan of light bulbs to 1,000 hours, compared to the original 2,500 hours.

Later on, this unethical commercial practice was also applied to nylon—a synthetic fabric originally developed in laboratories for women's stockings and initially known for its exceptional durability. As the industry was facing decline, manufacturers deliberately weakened the material to stimulate demand and avoid collapse.

At its core, planned obsolescence is a commercial strategy adopted by companies to artificially shorten the natural life cycle of their products, in order to sustain high demand and drive the continuous purchase of new models. This outdated and unethical practice has resurged with the widespread use of devices such as smartphones, computers, software, household appliances, and other goods designed around a throwaway logic. Ultimately, it all comes down to profit: a vicious cycle in which the more products break, the more new items are purchased, he more consumers are pushed to replace them—fueling an endless spiral of consumption.

This relentless drive to constantly purchase new products has a deeply harmful impact on the environment: from pollution generated during production to the improper disposal of nearly 80% of the waste resulting from this phenomenon. Much of this waste is difficult to manage and often non-recyclable. Natural resources are extracted with little concern for the environmental consequences, as the planet is exploited solely for short-term gain.

The steady accumulation of possessions continues unchecked, generating increasing amounts of waste. Trapped between piles of discarded items, we often choose replacement over repair—whether out of convenience or due to high costs. Meanwhile, the planet bears the burden of our emissions and the reckless depletion of natural resources—an exploitation that disregards both the environment and future generations, who will inevitably face the consequences of a deteriorating Earth.

For the sake of profit, we have come to accept replacing our smartphones, computers, and clothes with increasing frequency—driven by trends, the latest models, and a compulsive urge to shop that harms both our wallets and the environment.

When objects break—often as a result of planned obsolescence—repairing them tends to cost more than buying new products. At this point, we fall into the vicious cycle of consumerism, which is notoriously hard to escape. Advertising doesn’t help; whether on television during a film or in the form of endless banners across the websites we visit, it constantly urges us to buy more and more products that, in the end, are of little real use.

Fortunately, in recent years, an increasing number of consumers have begun purchasing refurbished and second-hand products, which cost less and can function well for many years—especially when it comes to technology. Refurbished goods are gaining ground, and we start to see advertisements on television and online encouraging consumers to opt for these alternatives. Planned obsolescence leads to increased waste, which is not just harmful, but severely damaging to our planet.

In conclusion, consumer awareness of environmental and ecological issues has grown significantly in recent years. More and more people are recognizing that opting for refurbished products can be a meaningful first step toward greater environmental responsibility. This shift also promotes greater equity, better working conditions, and a reduction in harmful emissions.

Translated by Iuliana Cindrea

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