Last Updated on December 19, 2025

If you’ve ever bought an electronic only for it to short out prematurely, congratulations: You’ve met planned obsolescence.

And planned obsolescence isn’t just for electronics. It’s factored into everything we buy – including our clothes and furniture. But what exactly is planned obsolescence, and how can you avoid it?

In truth, it’s hard to avoid – but there are ways we can fight back. Here’s everything you need to know about planned obsolescence and ways to combat it. 

what is planned obsolescence? 

Planned obsolescence is essentially when something is built to fail. This can be anything – electronics, light fixtures, clothes, or furniture.

Items aren’t made to last on purpose, forcing us to buy replacements frequently. And why is this done? In short, for profit.

If we buy a lightbulb and it lasts us twenty years – that’s a one and done sale. But if we have to replace that light bulb every three years, businesses profits will soar.

And mentioning lightbulbs is intentional – because planned obesolence started out with one. In 1924, lightbulbs lasted 2,500 hours.  

But lightbulb manufacturers realized their lightbulbs lasted too long, forming Phoebus Cartel – which intentionally reduced lightbulb lifespan by over 50%. This meant lightbulbs would only last 1,000 hours, forcing customers to buy bulbs sooner. Not to mention, prices rose. 

This can still be seen today – we have enough clothing to cloth the next six generations. Yet fashion brands continue to pump out cheap garments that will break apart after only a few wears. Some of the garments are so cheap even clothing recycling initiatives cannot resell them. 

And by pumping out new models and designs, industries can make our items still feel outdated (even if they’re not). For example, if you have a functional desk but see a new one on sale with a ‘cuter design’ – you may be tempted to buy it just because. This is a marketing tactic – and considered ‘dynamic obesolence.’

is planned obsolescence legal in the US? 

Planned obsolescence is legal in the US, and in fact, flourishes here. Manufacturers are free to set the durability level of the products without any repercussions. There’s no end of life considerations – everything is basically designed for the landfill. And very few brands offer takeback programs to recycle their products.

what countries have banned planned obsolescence? 

Countries that have banned planned obsolescence include France and Canada.  

Here’s examples of legislation they’ve passed:

• In 2015, France made it a criminal offense with laws penalizing companies for designing products to fail prematurely, requiring lifespan disclosure and promoting repairability.

• In Canada, planned obsolescence is being tackled through landmark provincial legislation in Quebec (Bill 29), banning designs that fail prematurely, mandating repair info, and ensuring part availability.

what can we do to combat planned obsolescence? 

Now that you know the problem, you can be part of the solution! We can combat planned obsolescence in a number of ways.

1. choose durable, repairable goods 

First and foremost, make sure you’re purchasing goods of the highest quality you can afford.

For clothes, that means choosing organic clothing brands that aren’t made out of cheap, virgin polyester. Some of my clothes are 5+ years old because I simply take care of them – and invested in good brands.

RELATED: Clothing Care: 5 Ways to Maintain and Care for Your Clothes 

Materials matter. Organic cotton, hemp, and wool are going to last longer than flimsy polyester every time.

The same goes for furniture and electronics. Always buy from a trusted brand and look at their materials before you do.

Are they sourcing their wood ethically? Any take-back programs or recycled materials? Do they have a repair program or warranty? Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

But whatever you do, avoid ordering from Temu. Lots of their products are low quality and may be toxic.

2. support the right to repair movement 

So many companies make it difficult to repair their products. Electronic brands are notorious for this, especially Apple.

This is due to proprietary screws, glued components, soldered parts, and software locks that limit third-party access. 

But what if we put pressure on brands to support the right to repair? 

Technically, the Right to Repair law did pass in several states – New York, California, Minnesota, Colorado, and Oregon. This means manufactures have to provide parts, tools, and info for repairs. 

But we need this all over the country, not just in a few states. Call or write your local representatives and push them to pass it in your state!

3. buy secondhand and refurbished goods 

Especially with electronics, it’s always a good idea to buy refurbished if buying new-to-you!

Refurbished basically just means the item was repaired/is secondhand. This gives it a second life. Back Market is a great place to get refurbished tech.

For other items, check thrift or vintage stores first. Things were built so much better in the past. 

You can thrift for more than just clothes too – kitchenware, furniture, books – you name it, they have it! 

Checking places like Facebook marketplace, or your local buy-nothing group, is also a great idea. Plus you get to connect with like-minded individuals near you! 

4. repair and reuse 

Most importantly, learn how to repair your items! This goes for all kinds of things, be it clothes, furniture, cars, or electronics.

Self-taught is easy nowadays with free resources like YouTube tutorials, libraries, informative blogs, etc. But don’t hesitate to take a class if you need to (sometimes libraries hold free ones!).

Some tools that will help you repair items include:

• Sewing kits

• Scrap fabric

• Power tools

• IFixIt tool kits

You can find a lot of these at discounted prices at thrift stores or reuse stores. I can’t recommend visible mending enough – and learning how to sew a button is SO handy.

These are a few fixes everyone should know how to do. But if you aren’t handy, be sure to find someone who is!

You can take your items to a tailor, cobbler, mechanic, or repairman to get fixed. Or even bring it to a repair cafe. Speaking of…

5. attend or host a repair cafe 

Repair cafes are typically held in local libraries or community centers and they’re completely free! It’s a volunteer-run event where people bring household items (think electronics, clothes, bikes, furniture), to be fixed with the help of skilled volunteers.

The goal is to reduce waste, share knowledge, save money and foster community. I recently attended one to repair my chair – but it couldn’t be fixed. Thankfully, the carpenter helping me took it back to her workshop and managed to repair it!

So this is what I mean by building community! Check and see if a repair cafe is happening near you, and if not, organize one with your local library.

6. buy less, maintain often, borrow more

Of course, the best way to reduce planned obesolence is to just buy less. Ask yourself if you really need something before making a purchase. I like to wait 30 days – it helps curb impulse buys!

Don’t forget to take care of the items you already own: Be it sanding and polishing your outdoor furniture, re-upholstering your chairs, or learning to care for your sweaters.

And try borrowing items more if you need them – especially if someone in your circle has it! Ex.: Need a ladder? Ask dad, or a neighbor, before buying a new one.

In the spirit of borrowing, also consider looking into local tool libraries. Or even just your local library – they let you lend out more than just books (think magazines, newspapers, DVDS, and more).

But of course – the most sustainable thing to do is simply using what you have. 

So, what are some ways you’re fighting planned obsolescence? Let me know in the comments!

The post What is Planned Obsolescence? +6 Ways to Combat It appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

What is Planned Obsolescence? +6 Ways to Combat It

This is a sponsored article about a brand that was independently assessed by our rigorous ratings system. We’re proud to only collaborate with “Good” and “Great” rated brands. Learn more.

US brand Toad&Co has a socially and environmentally responsible approach to clothing, creating pieces inspired by  the outdoors and with a lower impact on the environment. Not to mention an enduring commitment to helping everyone get outdoors through its work with non-profits. Read on to discover the brand’s environment-first ethos.

Focusing on what matters most

“We make feel-good clothes for positive impact—fostering community around doing good, enjoying life’s simple pleasures, and embracing the unexpected,” says Sarah Palladino, director of people and impact at Toad&Co as she introduces the Californian brand. This “simple pleasures” concept applies to Toad&Co’s approach to design, too, and prioritises quality and responsibility over trend-led items. This, in turn, means the brand focuses its energy on clothes that are comfy and practical enough for everything from work to outdoor exploring, and on maintaining its ongoing commitments to using lower-impact materials, partnering with cleaner factories, and looking for new ways to do more with less.

Since day one, it’s been about more than just clothes. From choosing sustainable practices in every corner of our business to supporting programs that protect the planet and make the outdoors more accessible to everyone—knowing we stand for more is what keeps us going

Gordon Seabury – CEO at Toad&Co

Lower-impact materials and producer responsibility

Opting for lower impact materials is one of the core ways brands can address their impact on the planet: “Sustainable materials make a world of difference,” Toad&Co says. “We use organic cotton, recycled fibres, and other high-quality materials known for low-impact growing and cleaner manufacturing.”

The brand’s selection of more sustainable materials includes organic cotton, hemp, TENCEL Lyocell, and recycled fabrics like wool, cotton, and polyester. It also looks to third party clothing certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100, and Global Organic Textile Standard, and it publishes its list of restricted substances for all to see.

Toad&Co also operates a resale platform, called ToadAgain, online and at its IRL store in Maine, US, to keep its clothes in the loop.

Supporting non-profits and access to the outdoors

Toad&Co donates 1% of its profits to organisations working to empower others and, in particular, enable better access to the outdoors for all.

In 1996, Toad&Co partnered with Search, Inc. to co-found the Planet Access Company, a full-functioning warehouse that trained and employed up to 70 adults with disabilities annually.

Determined not to stop at the front door, the brand also co-founded Search for Adventure in 2004, a unique travel program to facilitate vacations for adults with disabilities. Over 20 years later, the social venture partnership has evolved—and includes a flagship store in Chicago, a program called Visibility Arts that nurtures creativity through sharing Search, Inc. artist’s work, neurodiversity and disability awareness training, and an expanded Search for Adventure program. In 2024, the brand supported 147 nights of camping for adults with disabilities through the program.

We give back to—and partner with—organisations that align with our three pillars of giving: conservation for human enjoyment, equity and accessibility, and do the right thing

Sarah Palladino – director of people and impact at Toad&Co

One of Toad&Co’s key partnerships is with Brave Trails, which is dedicated to LGBTQ+ youth leadership, to support it in putting on accredited camps, mentorship programs, and meet-ups for LGBTQ+ youth.

Shop favourites from Toad&Co’s new collection

Read on to discover some of the standout items that balance style with practicality from Toad&Co’s lineup.

Merino Heartfelt Hoodie

Woven with a beautiful alpine jacquard pattern, this hoodie is made from non-mulesed Merino wool and features pockets at the sides. It’s ideal as a mid-layer under a longer coat when you’re out exploring, or as a cosy item for grabbing a post-walk hot chocolate.

Alpineglo Sweater

This Alpineglo sweater is a blend of 50% organic cotton and 50% non-mulesed Merino wool, so it’s going to help regulate your temperature in most climates. On top of that, the neutral tone and straight fit make it really versatile—you’ll be reaching for it on the regular.

Chaka Wide-Leg Trousers

Toad&Co calls these cropped trousers “sweatpant comfortable, going-out presentable”, which makes sense, given they’re made with organic cotton and Tencel Lyocell for softness and have a comfortable wide waistband, not to mention a pretty floral pattern.

Nomader Reversible Jacket

This Nomader jacket is reversible, packable, and water-resistant. In other words, it’s the ideal item to take with you for outdoor adventures. It’s made from recycled nylon and lightly quilted for warmth.

Manzana Quilted Jacket

Toad&Co picked the crepe-like organic cotton for this jacket so that you could fold it away in a bag and have it still look presentable when you pull it out. It’s also packed with recycled polyester padding for extra warmth.

Balsam Cutoff TrousersThese Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Balsam Cutoff Trousers

These Balsam Trousers are made with a tiny bit of stretch and a special waistband for comfort, so they’ll flex with you and feel good all the time. The neutral brown colour also goes with so many options.

Kennicott Shirt Jacket

Going from a walk to dinner? From the office to drinks? This Kennicott shirt jacket fits the bill for all of the above. The smart twill fabric incorporates recycled Italian wool.

Airsmyth Shirt

This is Toad&Co’s Re-Form Herringbone: a blend of recycled cotton and polyester that offers a soft drape and an attractive herringbone weave that looks smarter than the average checked shirt.

Balsam 5-Pocket Trousers

Like the women’s equivalent, these Balsam trousers have a touch of stretch and a comfortable ‘FlexForm’ waistband that mean they’re going to feel comfortable from the get-go—and you won’t need to worry about a belt, either.

Discover more of Toad&Co’s clothes.

The post How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors appeared first on Good On You.

How Toad&Co’s Clothes Help Everyone Enjoy the Outdoors

Last Updated on November 21, 2025

If you’re on the handmade Christmas kick this year, you’re not alone. So am I!

I’m choosing presence over presents this year and bringing back the 90s Christmas I loved as a kid – simple, crafty, low pressure, and full of small moments that feel meaningful.

If you want to gift thoughtfully, and without breaking the bank, these DIY Christmas presents are for you. There’s something for everyone on this list – whether you prefer easy or complex DIYs.

I’ve included all kinds of DIYs – beauty, cooking, fashion, and practical gifts alike. Best of all? Many of these tutorials are zero waste (or close to it).

what are good homemade Christmas gifts?

Good homemade Christmas gifts include consumable items, like homemade nut butters, vanilla extract, or jams. But not all homemade gifts are edible – you can also make items like bath bombs, candles, body scrubs, beeswax wraps, and so much more.  

If you’re extra crafty, you could even make wooden gifts (like shelving or tablet holders), ceramic items (like mugs or jewelry), or knitted/crocheted pieces (like blankets, scarves or hats).

It all depends on your level of skill, time at your disposal, and ingredients/materials you have access to.

what are good inexpensive Christmas gifts?

Some good inexpensive Christmas gifts are DIY cornstarch ornaments, handmade body or lip scrub, seasoned salt blends, and homemade treats (like these chocolate chip cookies or vegan sugar cookies).

And never forget to hit up your local thrift store – you can find so many great items that would make affordable gift baskets!

Wrapping DIY Christmas gifts also doesn’t have to be expensive. Reusing gift bags and ribbons from last year, upcycling packaging paper, or even repurposing a scarf for furoshiki wrap are all low-waste and affordable!

RELATED: Gift Wrapping: How to Keep It Easy, Eco and Chic

how can I make a last minute gift?

You can make a last minute gift by getting crafty using the materials you have on hand!

For example, if you have a cardboard box, why not try making an upcycled cardboard dollhouse, vehicle, or pirate ship for a child? For adults, a DIY storage container or a shoe rack works.

One of my fav last minute gifts is scented bath salts in an upcycled glass jar – just a little Epsom salt and essential oil blends will do the trick!

Here’s my list of DIY Christmas gifts – something for everyone and every skill level.

1. Bath salts
2. DIY makeup like mascara/eyeliner, or lip to cheek
3. Bath bombs
4. Lip scrub
5. Lip balm
6. Face mask
7. Body lotion
8. Natural perfume
9. Dry shampoo
10. Shampoo bar
11. Body soap
12. Deodorant
13. Rose water toner
14. Hand-poured coconut/soy/beeswax candles 
15. Simmer pot in a jar
16. Cookie, brownie, soup mix or hot cocoa mix in a jar
17. Handmade seasoning blends
18. Vanilla extract
19. Vegan caramels or plant-based butter wrapped in compostable parchment paper
20. Herb or citrus infused olive oil
21. Peanut butter + jam
22. Beeswax wraps
23. Apple or pumpkin butter
24. Sourdough or no-knead artisan bread
25. Finished embroidery hoops
26. Embroidered pillows, tote bags, clothes or cloth napkins
27. Sewn cotton rounds
28. Knitted scarf, hat, gloves, sweater, or blanket
29. Hand warmers
30. Quilt blanet, quilted coat or quilted wallet
31. Tie dyed secondhand silk scarves, clothing or sheets
32. Hand painted or drawn artwork
33. Air dry clay paint palette
34. DIY wooden frame for paintings or print photos
35. Handmade ceramics (mugs, chawan, chasen holder, vase, spoon rest, etc.)
36. Woodworked items (birdhouse, shelving, bookcase, wall guitar mount)
37. Carving wooden bowls by hand
38. Natural branch coasters
39. Plant propagations in one of these DIY planters
40. Seed balls using native seeds
41. Handwoven baskets or bowls
42. Macrame produce bag
43. Macrame plant hanger
44. Fabric paper mache bowls
45. Upcycled paper earring jewelry
46. Clay earrings
47. Handmade plush toys
48. Felt ‘food’ toys
49. Wooden toys (like vehicles, blocks, or dollhouses)
50. Knit or crocheted baby clothes

What do you think of these DIY Christmas presents? Let me know in the comments!

The post 50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

50 DIY Christmas Presents Anyone Can Make