Aloha Everyone,
Today we live in a disposable society. It is a consumer driven, throw-away society. When things get old or even out of fashion, dispose and replace. In manufacturing lingo, it is known as “planned obsolescence.”
When JJ and I were students at the Art Center College, there was a light bulb that hung above an exit sign. It was made for lower wattage with thicker filaments. The lightbulb has lasted over a quarter of century. Invented by the custodian, he tried to license the product to manufacturing companies, but was rejected by all. Who wants a light bulb that lasts and lasts?
Most of us are guilty. Just look around your kitchen. There maybe: disposable napkins, baking pans, plates, food containers, water bottles, spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, etc.
Whenever J.J. and I travelled with our then infant aged sons, we resorted to using disposable diapers and disposable bottles.
The sad thing about becoming accustomed to disposing old and replacing with new is that some people carry that to their personal issues. Thus when a relationship does not work, rather than try to mend it, it is discarded and replaced. When that is carried onto marriages involving small children, the outcome can be tragic.
There are doable solutions. Instead of throwing away, you can recycle, donate, or trade-in. Purchase durable quality goods. Europeans purchase one good coat and a handbag to last for years. Costs of goods are higher but they go for quality and classic styles which can stand the passage of time. Downsize your home and cars. It can be done as tiny house has many merits and allows one to live a simpler and fuller life.
“I’m beginning to recognize that real happiness isn’t something large and looming on the horizon ahead but something small, numerous and already here. The smile of someone you love. A decent breakfast. The warm sunset, your little everyday joys all lined up in a row.”
—Beau Taplin/Little Everyday Joys
Aloha -- Cathi
