Posted on 01/09/2019 9:05:57 AM PST by Oldeconomybuyer
It is frustrating: you buy a new appliance then just after the warranty runs out, it gives up the ghost.
You cant repair it and cant find anyone else to at a decent price, so it joins the global mountain of junk.
Youre forced to buy a replacement, which fuels climate change from the greenhouse gases released in the manufacturing process.
But help is at hand, because citizens in the EU and parts of the USA will soon get a "right to repair" - of sorts.
This consists of a series of proposals from European environment ministers to force manufacturers to make goods that last longer and are easier to mend.
The European proposals refer to lighting, televisions and large home appliances.
At least 18 US states are considering similar laws in a growing backlash against products which cant be prised apart because theyre glued together, or which dont have a supply of spare parts, or repair instructions.
Plans for the EU Ecodesign Directive are complex and controversial. Manufacturers say the proposed rules on repairability are too strict and will stifle innovation.
Consumer campaigners complain the EU Commission has allowed firms to keep control of the repair process by insisting some products are mended by professionals under the control of manufacturers.
The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) said: This restricts the access of independent repairers to spare parts and information - and that limits the scope and affordability of repair services. The EEB also wants other products like smart phones and printers included in the legislation.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Sounds good.
But, of course, we know what will happen.
Need it be said?
One of the troubling questions in the multiverse is why do groups who have never had a successful idea keep dominating the conversation?
“Sounds good.”
______________
True. I like the potential practicality. However, we all know that it will end up costing more to repair due to regulations and compliance costs.
Another oppressive law expanding the power of bureaucrats.
Masquerading as “rights”
People dispatched tens of millions of television sets to the dump because the Government decreed we do digital. Not because the manufacturers engaged in sinister conspiracies.
Farm tractor equipment needs to open up their engine codes like the automobile industry did.
automobiles and major appliances ... Junk
There was a time when this was already the case through natural competition to make “quality” products at still decent prices. Then the throw away consumerism sales tactic and culture came along. But we did it to ourselves by wanting as much for one part being equal to the whole cost of a new one.
Didn’t we just do “cash for clunkers”? Now it’s “keep the clunkers running”?
Our 1st Maytag washer lasted 25 years. Since then we are on washer #3.
The European proposals refer to lighting, televisions and large home appliances.
The reason these things don't last as long is DIRECTLY related to Global Warming and energy efficiency standards.
Years ago I spent a day in a conference with a Dupont or GE engineer, an older gentlemen. There was a topic regarding energy standards that sparked some discussion that he was passionate about. The energy efficiency standards and regulations that manufacturers are held to require moving parts to be lighter and more energy efficient. This means gears, motor housings, belts/chains, bearings, components, etc. all have to be made of lighter parts. This reduces the horsepower and size of electric motors. Engineering technology has also advanced to a point where the power needs can be calculated for "just the right size". According to him, this creates the quality problems and life expectancy issues in many mechanical appliances these days.
Add the cost of electronics to govern motors for energy efficiency and the additional parts to monitor and control the use of energy and you both increase the costs and complexity as well as introduce more parts and mechanisms that are subject to failure.
In the old days, machines were over designed a little to make sure their quality was better than the competition. They sought future sales and reputation as a vital component to their profitability and longevity as a business. Today, they need to have the cheapest product and beat the competition in the short term year over year as corporate value is analyzed quarterly.
So complaining that the quality of manufactured products is contributing to global warming is like complaining that a camp fire is consuming your fire wood.
That’s true, And it’s happened a LOT. Just take Gas cans and Propane tanks as small examples. Some politician’s brother in law owned the factories that make the newer “safer” cans and tanks. Business slows down... Just pass a law they ALL have to be replaced for safety or environmental reasons whether there is even an issue or not.
They’re going to force the repair of machines they deem not environmentally acceptable? Fat chance. Too bad. Those are the only machines that do what they’re supposed to do. Now everything is half-washed and half-a$$ed... for the planet. Pffftt .
Best example: Children’s car seats.
Did you know that they actually come with an EXPIRATION DATE now? And when you go to bring a baby home from the hospital they check the EXPIRATION DATE and will NOT give you your child if the seat is expired?
And of course you can be fined if driving with a child in any seat that is post-expiration. Lots of kickbacks changing hands, and lot of plastic going into landfills.
I need to say good...the old hometown Fix it Shop need to come back. This might help...
Stupid idea. This would mean the government would assume complete control of the manufacturing process in this country and every other country in the world. That’s almost communism, where government owns all the means of production.
BULLCRAP!!!
You’ve hit upon the real reason why they want this.
>>>Did you know that they actually come with an EXPIRATION DATE now? And when you go to bring a baby home from the hospital they check the EXPIRATION DATE and will NOT give you your child if the seat is expired?<<<
You can’t just throw the Kid in the Pickup Truck Bed?
I wonder how I survived being a Child living in America.
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