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And by pumping out new models and designs, industries can make our items still feel outdated (even if they’re not).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
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.
Just like fashion has been overrun by fast fashion, home goods and furniture have similarly seen a rapid decline in quality. Rugs are no exception.
And similar to fashion, these cheap goods come at a high cost — namely, to the planet and to people. In fact carpet and rug production is rampant with exploitation.
On the other hand, fair trade rugs present the best of what a rug can bring to your home: artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage.
The brands featured in this guide are partnering with (and fairly paying!) skilled artisans who are using generations-old — and sometimes even centuries-old — techniques. These artisans are sustaining long lines of crafts, preserving their cultural diversity, and celebrating the richness of their time-honored crafts.
There’s simply no replacement for a timeless, quality artisan-made rug — they’re like pieces of art you can lay out on your floor or hang on your walls.
So, enjoy browsing through this guide to sustainable rug brands listed out below and best of luck on your search for the right fair trade rug!
Where to Find Ethical and Fair Trade Rugs
Note that this guide includes affiliates and partners. As always, brands must meet high standards for ethics and sustainability to be featured and all opinions are my own.
1. Obakki
Best for: warm-hued handwoven wool rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Runners, Accent Rugs
Obakki partners with artisan weavers primarily in Oaxaca, Mexico — including individual makers like José — who hand-dyes and weaves rugs on a traditional pedal loom using locally sourced sheep’s wool and natural dyes derived from native plants. The brand also works with Rrres Design Studio, a Latin American studio dedicated to preserving traditional Oaxacan weaving techniques, and sources handwoven textiles from artisan communities beyond Mexico as well, including Morocco.
Each rug is made from 100% wool with no synthetic dyes or backing. Most pieces are made-to-order with a 4-8 week production window, shipped directly from the artisan partners.
Price Range: $460 – $4,159
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Natural Dyes, Craft Preservation
2. Kiliim
Best for: modern wool kilim rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
If you’re well-versed in rug terminology, you may recognize that this brand’s name looks similar to the word kilim.
Kiliim’s rug are made using authentic kilim rug craftsmanship by artisans in Egypt coming from generations of kilim artisans. To ensure ethical production and to support the preservation of this heritage craft, Kiliim pays living wages to all artisans.
Price Range: $95 – $4,812
Conscious Qualities: Ethical Production, Heritage Craft Preservation, Natural Fibers
3. Urban Natural
Best for: browsing fair trade rugs in lots of styles and sizes
Categories: Outdoor, Area Rugs, and Accent Rugs
This natural home and lifestyle retailer has a beautifully curated selection of sustainably-made rugs crafted with materials like jute, sisal, wool, and cotton.
Several brands on Urban Natural are also ethically hand-loomed or hand-knotted, such as Loloi — a GoodWeave partner — and Jaipur Living — a brand that partners with thousands of local artisans to sustain heritage crafts.
Price Range: $259 – $9,755
Conscious Qualities: Eco-Conscious Materials
4. LOOMY
Best for: pet-friendly and performance rugs
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs, Runners, Outdoor Rugs
Founded by a weaver, LOOMY is dedicated to crafting beautiful artisan-made rugs that will last for decades to come.
LOOMY partners with highly-skilled artisan weavers who craft quality rugs made from eco-minded materials like banana silk, jute, and recycled cotton, plus performance options made from 100% recycled polyester built to withstand whatever life brings you.
Price Range: $298 – $8,298
Conscious Qualities: Natural Fibers, Craft Preservation, Vintage Options
5. West Elm
Best for: fair trade rugs in on-trend mainstream styles
Categories: Area Rugs, Accent Rugs
West Elm is bringing ethical rugs to a broader market with their collection of Fair Trade Certified
wool and cotton rugs. While I recommend browsing the smaller shops listed above first, West Elm is supporting the movement to responsibly-made, fair trade rugs.
Price Range: $$$
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade production, Majority Natural Materials
6. Jubi
Best for: Modern rugs in vibrant prints
Categories: Accent Rugs, Circle Rugs, Runners
Jubi is a Brooklyn studio founded by textile designer Cassie Dagostino. Every rug is handmade from New Zealand wool by fourth-generation weaving families in Bhadohi, India using traditional techniques. Each rug is made-to-order, meaning no excess stock. Since everything is made to order, expect between 3 and 7 weeks for your rug, depending on the technique used.
Conscious Qualities: Pays Above Market Rates, 100% Wool, Made-to-Order
Price Range: $228 – $668
Shipping: Free worldwide shipping
7. Rejuvenation
Best for: Classic rug styles made in Fair Trade factories
Categories: Accent Rugs, Runners, Area Rugs
Home retailer Rejuvenation has a selection of rugs made in Fair Trade Certified factories. Their collection includes undyed hand-loomed rugs to geometric flatwoven wool rugs. And while I’d typically avoid synthetics, it tends to be unavoidable for outdoor rugs — so Rejuvenation’s Fair Trade 100% recycled poly rug is a good option.
Conscious Qualities: Fair Trade Certified, Mostly Natural Materials
Price Range: $79 – $1,649
Shipping: Contiguous U.S. shipping for 10% of product price (add $20 for HI, AK, and US. territorries)
Liked this guide to ethical rugs? You might also enjoy:
Ethical Home Decor Brands to Curate a Beautiful, Conscious Space
Eco-Friendly Furniture to Furnish Your Home Sustainably
Fair Trade and Eco-Friendly Blankets to Cozy Up With
The post 5 Best Ethical Fair Trade Rugs to Elevate Your Space appeared first on Conscious Life & Style.
As a longtime book lover, I may be biased, but I think a full bookshelf is one of the most beautiful additions to a space. There’s nothing better than seeing a showcase of your favorite reads alongside a TBR list.
A bookcase, though, can of course be used for all sorts of purposes from placing your favorite photos of family and friends to showcasing treasured vintage finds.
Whatever the case, this guide will help you find the right sustainable bookshelf for your living room, office, or wherever you like to cozy up with a good read!
So what make a bookcase more sustainable? What makes a bookshelf non-toxic?
First of all: sustainable and non-toxic are two overlapping — but distinct — criteria. And both of those terms can come with a lot of opinions and varying definitions.
When it comes to sustainable bookcases, I look for:
- Responsibly Sourced Materials: most bookshelves are made primarily with wood. While natural, unsustainable wood sourcing can be a cause of deforestation, so we want to see that the wood was from responsibly managed forests or made from reclaimed or repurposed wood. Some bookshelves may feature metal, in which case recycled materials here are important.
- High Quality Construction: sustainability includes longevity — how long will you be able to use that furniture piece before it goes to the landfill and gets replaced? Look for transparency around craftsmanship and woodworking processes. Another sign of quality is the length of warranty a company has for its products.
- Ethically Made: this one is straightforward in theory — were the people making it paid fairly and working in safe conditions? — but is unfortunately not always easy to find information. In this category, I look for transparency in practices, what relationship the brand has with the manufacturer (some produce in-house which is the best case scenario for transparency!), where it was made, and how well the makers were paid.
Ideally a sustainable bookshelf would also be non-toxic — as toxic chemical fumes aren’t exactly sustainable! But this isn’t always the case. For example, if a company prioritizes upcycled materials, they don’t necessarily have control over what inputs were part of the original materials. And sometimes a company focuses more on ethical artisan partnerships and sustainable wood sourcing, more than, say, using non-toxic finishes.
But when it comes to non-toxic bookshelves, this is what I look for. (Note that non-toxic doesn’t necessarily mean safe for all chemical sensitivities. Nor does it mean zero potentially irritating chemicals.)
- Solid Wood (where possible): MDF or pressed wood contains glue to stick the various wood pieces together, which can contain added formaldehyde. I prefer solid wood, or if it is engineered wood, I’d make sure the company is transparent around the type of glue used and/or they at least have a product certification like GREENGUARD. (More on that in a second.)
- Low or Zero VOC Finishes: most wood furniture is completed with some sort of finish to provide a protection against scratches or moisture. Many of these finishes are synthetic, and some can contain high levels of toxic chemicals. Look for a natural finish like linseed oil or beeswax or a low VOC synthetic finish.
Relevant Certifications
You’ll see a few certifications referenced throughout this guide. Here’s what each one covers:
- FSC Certified = the wood sourcing was responsibly managed; this is not a finish, foam, or textile guarantee.
- GREENGUARD / GREENGUARD Gold Certified = the finished product was tested for low chemical emissions, including VOCs, with Gold representing the stricter tier.
- Fair Trade Certified