One of the blogs I read had a post about a timely post about stuff yesterday.   all about that planned obsolescence came in after WWII  and more perceived obsolescence (like fashion)   very interesting!

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

While I agree with Annie Leonard's message and proposed changes, I am concerned that she is just enough over the top that those who are looking for reasons to not change will glide over her reasoning because so many of the problems are "too far away" or "too big to fix" - nonetheless, her message is sound, and I intend to send this link on to a list of people, as well as posting it elsewhere.

I look around my house and see the furniture I inherited (thanks, grandparents!), at the furniture I purchased new 20 years ago and have never replaced, because bought for quality, not fashion (thanks to the multiple people who taught me that), at the iPod I bought barely used 2 years ago from someone who got a new and better one 2 months after she bought it (a perfect example of consumerism), at the TV I bought 6 or 7 years ago that is large, clunky, and in perfect working order, and think back to the TV it replaced after 20 years - and then I look at all the stuff I have because other people got rid of it, and I had a use for it - and I wonder just how we got into this mess.  How did I, growing up in the same society that has these problems, avoid falling into the consumerism trap?  I buy few things because I just want them; over 90% of what I buy is because it's something I need - I buy clothes and shoes when the ones I have wear out; I buy quality items that, while they may cost more up front, last longer and therefore cost less in the long run; I do much of my own home repair and improvement because I can't make myself pay someone to do things I can do myself - how did I end up like this, when so many others didn't?  And how can we get others out of this consumerism trap?  The people on this forum are, by and large, those who are out of the trap or are try to get out - but how do we get the word to others... before it's too late?

I like quality things too. plus used. lots of stuff here is used.  after all aren't antiques used goods lol.

 I get asked why do you still have those same sheets, cat dish etc...because they still work!  though my plastic dry cat food dish is probably 16 yrs old. in great shape but wondering how long you should use plastic bowls when they are everyday not once a while.

I find I go though phases. like now I look at my dvds and wonder why I bought most of them but I did when I was in the house more with the kids.   other stuff like crafts, I want too but can't but it doesn't stop the urge.

MarthaMFI:

lots of stuff here is used.  after all aren't antiques used goods lol.

well I try not to abuse my things but with cats, birds and young kids....doesn't nice for long!   one thing no one really touched on with little kids, how much your clothes get dirty and stained from them no matter what so they get washed so much more and worn out fast.  I have spent more money on clothes in the last few years cus of kids (peramnet body changes too)  same with hand towels. fraying etc from being washed so much. 

I have fantasies about nicer couches but when I see a set for an awesome deal...I get reminded why not to bother. couple of weeks ago had that scenerio and the next day my dd peed (5) on the couch right though the slipcover.