Published

3 months ago

December 19, 2025

Alice Rush

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And by pumping out new models and designs, industries can make our items still feel outdated (even if they’re not).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.

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

Green Living

Earth911 Inspiration: Filled With Things You Don’t Know

Published

17 hours ago

March 13, 2026

Alice Rush

Today’s quote is from Native American author and poet Sherman Alexie. In his award-winning book for young people, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, he wrote: “The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don’t know.”

Take some time today to quietly observe the world around you and celebrate the wonders of our planet, our home.

Earth911 inspirations. Post them and share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.

The post Earth911 Inspiration: Filled With Things You Don’t Know appeared first on Earth911.

https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-filled-with-things-you-dont-know/

Green Living

Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead

Published

2 days ago

March 11, 2026

Alice Rush

Last Updated on March 11, 2026

This post was sponsored by Casamera. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information, please see my disclosure policy.

Have you ever seen those ‘everything shower’ videos trying to convince you to use 12+ products on your skin and hair? Including plastic poufs destined for landfill in 2 months time?

Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead

All you really need is a bar of soap, shampoo/conditioner, safety razor, and something natural to lather with. Enter Casamera, a sustainable brand who creates konjac sponges for face and body (aka all-natural shower sponges).

But what exactly is a konjac sponge? And are they all created equal? Here’s everything you need to know so you can ditch plastic poufs for good.

What Is a Konjac Sponge?

A konjac sponge is a natural skin exfoliant made from the konjac plant, a root vegetable. To make konjac sponges, the konjac tubers are harvested and fiber (glucomannan) is extracted from the root.

The fiber is mixed with water and various other natural ingredients to form a gel-like mixture. This mixture is poured into molds to create the desired shape and size. It’s then steamed to solidify and stabilize the structure.

Casamera makes all-natural shower sponges that include konjac powder as one of the four natural ingredients it takes to make one. Their scrubbers come in a variety of infusions, such as charcoal (best for oily/acne-prone skin), matcha, volcanic mud, peppermint, and walnut.

But not all konjac sponges are the same: Casamera’s dual-sided design has one soft side and one exfoliating side (powered by natural walnut shells), making it suitable for both face and body.

Most conventional konjac sponges are for facial skincare only, making Casamera’s a perfect replacement for plastic poufs. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in your hand, and you can easily hang it up to dry after use.

Konjac Sponge Benefits

The best known benefits of using a konjac sponge are cleansing and gently exfoliating skin. It’s extremely gentle, so it can help unclog pores, especially helpful to those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Casamera’s sponges are also 100% compostable, unlike plastic poufs destined for landfills. It’s also dual sided: The honeycomb side is perfect for washing up whereas the other side exfoliates for deep cleaning.

Plastic poufs can also smell moldy after just a week. Casamera’s scrubbers don’t have that problem because they’re antimicrobial and fast-drying. Which means less replacements and more money saving!

You’re also not scrubbing microplastics onto your body and down the drain. Casamera’s sponges are plastic-free, even down to their low-waste shipping materials. Plus they plant trees to offset their carbon footprint from manufacturing and shipping!

There’s three different sizes: The OG, the XL and the mini. The mini is great for the face, OG works as an ideal body scrubber, and XL is perfect for smothering your body (and backside) in soapy suds.

How to Use a Konjac Sponge (Step-by-Step)

To use Casamera’s scrubbers, here’s a simple step by step routine that’s easy to remember:

Presoak the scrubber with water
Apply body wash to it (I love Plaine Products refillable body wash)
Scrub away!
Rinse it out (make sure there’s no suds or water left)
Hang it dry (ideally in a well-ventilated area)

How Long Do Konjac Sponges Last?

If properly maintained, a konjac sponge can last 2-3 months or longer depending on use. To sanitize it, once a week, add the sponge to a bowl of boiling water for a couple of minutes.

If you’re using the sponge daily, be mindful it may deteriorate faster. If you see a difference in color, texture, or a strange smell, replace it.

Getting the scrubber pack is ideal because you’ll get three sponges in one pack, enough to last months!

Konjac Sponge vs Face Wipes

While makeup wipes may be considered easy and convenient, they also tend to be saturated in harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin (some may even contain PFAs).

Plus face wipes are single-use, meaning they’ll end up in a landfill somewhere or worse – fatbergs. Fatbergs are massive, solidified blockages in sewer systems made up of oils, grease, fats, and non-biodegradable items (like wet wipes).

Whatever you choose to use, never flush face wipes down the toilet – even if it says flushable.

Konjac sponges are reusable and capable of removing your makeup without the use of questionable ingredients. Just soak it in water, add your favorite cleanser, and watch the grime and makeup come right off!

And when they’re at the end of their life, they can be composted, instead of polluting our sewers.

Is a Konjac Sponge Worth It?

Yes, a konjac sponge is worth it (specifically Casamera’s) and here’s a quick recap as to why:

Made using 4 clean ingredients (konjac powder, water, walnut shells, + infusion)
Gently exfoliates + washes skin
100% compostable, doesn’t shed microplastics
Easy to use in 5 steps
Comes in a variety of infusions for every skin type
Will last 2–3 months or longer depending on use
Ships plastic-free
OneTreePlanted partner

So, would you give konjac sponges a try? Let me know in the comments!

And, a huge thank you to Casamera for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit Casamera.com to get your hands on their rejuvenating scrubber pack!

The post Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead appeared first on Going Zero Waste.

Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead

Green Living

Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: Carbon Direct Chief Scientist Julio Friedmann on the Path to Carbon Removal

Published

3 days ago

March 11, 2026

Alice Rush

The scale of our climate challenge is staggering: humans have pumped 1.6 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air and oceans since 1750, and we’re adding another 40 billion tonnes every year. Even with dramatic emissions reductions, we’re still on track to blow past 1.5 degrees of warming, the Paris Accord target first breached in 2024. Tune in to a conversation with Dr. Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct. This carbon management company partners with Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and American Express to transform net-zero commitments into science-backed action plans. After a career that began as a researcher at ExxonMobil and included service at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Columbia University’s energy policy center, and running advanced energy programs in the Obama administration’s Department of Energy, Julio brings unique expertise to the intersection of massive climate challenges and current technological capabilities.

Dr. Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct, is our guest on *Sustainability In Your Ear*.

As companies work toward 2030 and 2050 carbon goals, the question isn’t whether we’ll need massive carbon removal—it’s whether we can deploy it fast enough and fairly enough to matter. The recent $100 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal awards highlighted the diversity of approaches being pursued, with natural solutions like enhanced rock weathering using basalt and azomite soil, and biochar applications to farmland dominating the winners. But how do these technologies stack up against the hype? Friedmann provides a realistic assessment of where Direct Air Capture, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and other carbon removal approaches stand today. Carbon Direct’s team of 70+ scientists changes the conversation with corporate clients about their carbon strategies, providing the scientific firepower to offer hard feedback about what’s needed to preserve the markets, supply chains, and revenue streams companies depend on. You can learn more about Carbon Direct’s work and explore their library of climatetech reports at https://www.carbon-direct.com/