#reduces waste

[productiveandfree]

The Importance of Designing Products for Longevity and Reusability

As consumer expectations evolve and businesses strive to meet the demand for higher-quality, longer-lasting products, designing with longevity and reusability in mind has become a critical aspect of modern product development. Companies must focus on creating products that meet customer needs and stand the test of time. This is why many companies explore different places to source products that will help them deliver greater value to consumers and establish a strong brand reputation. For instance, product sourcing in India is popular due to its rich manufacturing capabilities and diverse materials.

So, what does it mean to design products for longevity and reusability? It involves creating items that are reliable and designed to endure regular use. Additionally, it includes making products that can be easily repaired, upgraded, or reused when necessary to minimize the need for frequent replacements. 

In this article, we’ll dive into why designing for longevity and reusability is so important and how companies can achieve this through thoughtful product design. 

Enhances Product Usability

Products designed for longevity are inherently more reliable and practical for long-term use. When manufacturers prioritize high-quality materials, they create products that perform consistently over time, reducing the risk of breakdowns or malfunctions. This focus on usability ensures that customers can depend on their purchases, making them feel confident about the product’s value. Moreover, brands that adopt modular designs further improve their products’ usability by allowing specific parts to be replaced or upgraded without discarding the entire product.

When it comes to electronics or furniture, for example, components that wear out can be swapped for new ones. This saves users the cost and hassle of a complete replacement. Ultimately, designing for usability enhances the overall customer experience while encouraging responsible consumption.

 Boosts Customer Satisfaction

When products are built to last, customers also experience greater satisfaction, as they know their investment is worthwhile. Brands that offer durable, well-designed products demonstrate their commitment to quality and reliability, which helps to build trust and foster long-term loyalty. 

Additionally, designing products for repairability and upgradability adds another layer of value. In the case of businesses that offer spare parts, repair kits, or upgrades, their products can easily be enhanced with modular improvements, giving the customers a sense of control and pride in ownership. This approach satisfies customers and encourages repeat purchases and positive word-of-mouth recommendations.

Reduces Waste and Environmental Impact

Another compelling reason to design for longevity and reusability is the positive impact it has on the environment. Products with a longer lifespan reduce the frequency of disposal, thereby decreasing the volume of waste that ends up in landfills. 

In line with this, brands can design items that can be recycled or repurposed. This involves using materials that can be recovered and reused, which minimizes the need for new resources when producing new items. Some examples include producing modular electronics or using biodegradable packaging. Businesses that take these steps contribute to waste reduction while aligning with the growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. This approach also enhances a brand’s reputation as a sustainable and responsible company.

 Cost-Effective for Customers

Products designed for longevity and reusability are also more cost-effective for customers. Although many of these items usually have a higher upfront cost, they save consumers money in the long run by eliminating the need for frequent replacements. 

If customers invest in a high-quality appliance that lasts for years, it’s far more economical than repeatedly buying cheaper, short-lived alternatives. Furthermore, modular designs reduce maintenance costs by allowing users to replace individual components instead of purchasing entirely new products. As businesses offer customers affordable ways to maintain and extend the life of their purchases, they can appeal to budget-conscious buyers who value durability and practicality.

Supports Circular Economy Principles

Designing for longevity and reusability also plays a crucial role in supporting the circular economy. It’s a system that prioritizes keeping resources in use for as long as possible. Products that can be repaired, reused, or recycled help reduce the need for virgin materials, thus conserving natural resources and lowering production costs. Additionally, creating products with timeless designs rather than following fleeting trends encourages consumers to use them for extended periods. This reduces unnecessary waste caused by outdated or unfashionable items.

For example, when customers purchase a classic, well-crafted piece of furniture or clothing, they have items that remain relevant and functional for years. Businesses that adopt principles of producing items that support the circular economy align their brand with global efforts to promote sustainability while meeting the needs of conscious consumers.

Conclusion

Designing products for longevity and reusability is more than about meeting current trends. It focuses on shaping a future where quality, sustainability, and value take precedence. As consumers become more mindful of their purchasing decisions, businesses that prioritize longevity and reusability will stand out as leaders in sustainable innovation. With this in mind, brands must learn to embrace these principles and create products that meet modern demands while contributing to a better, more sustainable future for all.

Germaine Ignacio

Germaine Ignacio is a freelance writer. As a Psychology major, she is interested in how investing in personal growth and happiness can improve professional productivity. She is also an avid baker who lives with two cats.

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[reasonsforhope]

It’s an open secret in fashion. Unsold inventory goes to the incinerator; excess handbags are slashed so they can’t be resold; perfectly usable products are sent to the landfill to avoid discounts and flash sales. The European Union wants to put an end to these unsustainable practices. On Monday, [December 4, 2023], it banned the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear.

“It is time to end the model of ‘take, make, dispose’ that is so harmful to our planet, our health and our economy,” MEP Alessandra Moretti said in a statement. “Banning the destruction of unsold textiles and footwear will contribute to a shift in the way fast fashion manufacturers produce their goods.”

This comes as part of a broader push to tighten sustainable fashion legislation, with new policies around ecodesign, greenwashing and textile waste phasing in over the next few years. The ban on destroying unsold goods will be among the longer lead times: large businesses have two years to comply, and SMEs have been granted up to six years. It’s not yet clear on whether the ban applies to companies headquartered in the EU, or any that operate there, as well as how this ban might impact regions outside of Europe.

For many, this is a welcome decision that indirectly tackles the controversial topics of overproduction and degrowth. Policymakers may not be directly telling brands to produce less, or placing limits on how many units they can make each year, but they are penalising those overproducing, which is a step in the right direction, says Eco-Age sustainability consultant Philippa Grogan. “This has been a dirty secret of the fashion industry for so long. The ban won’t end overproduction on its own, but hopefully it will compel brands to be better organised, more responsible and less greedy.”

Clarifications to come

There are some kinks to iron out, says Scott Lipinski, CEO of Fashion Council Germany and the European Fashion Alliance (EFA). The EFA is calling on the EU to clarify what it means by both “unsold goods” and “destruction”. Unsold goods, to the EFA, mean they are fit for consumption or sale (excluding counterfeits, samples or prototypes)...

The question of what happens to these unsold goods if they are not destroyed is yet to be answered. “Will they be shipped around the world? Will they be reused as deadstock or shredded and downcycled? Will outlet stores have an abundance of stock to sell?” asks Grogan.

Large companies will also have to disclose how many unsold consumer products they discard each year and why, a rule the EU is hoping will curb overproduction and destruction...

Could this shift supply chains?

For Dio Kurazawa, founder of sustainable fashion consultancy The Bear Scouts, this is an opportunity for brands to increase supply chain agility and wean themselves off the wholesale model so many rely on. “This is the time to get behind innovations like pre-order and on-demand manufacturing,” he says. “It’s a chance for brands to play with AI to understand the future of forecasting. Technology can help brands be more intentional with what they make, so they have less unsold goods in the first place.”

Grogan is equally optimistic about what this could mean for sustainable fashion in general. “It’s great to see that this is more ambitious than the EU’s original proposal and that it specifically calls out textiles. It demonstrates a willingness from policymakers to create a more robust system,” she says. “Banning the destruction of unsold goods might make brands rethink their production models and possibly better forecast their collections.”

One of the outstanding questions is over enforcement. Time and again, brands have used the lack of supply chain transparency in fashion as an excuse for bad behaviour. Part of the challenge with the EU’s new ban will be proving that brands are destroying unsold goods, not to mention how they’re doing it and to what extent, says Kurazawa. “Someone obviously knows what is happening and where, but will the EU?”"

-via British Vogue, December 7, 2023

[bamsara]

Sorting the sticker drawers this morning and realized I put the them right next to each other. Big em and small em

[ninamation]

Patchwork makeup bags

Made patchwork makeup bags out of secondhand and recycled materials to ask my BFFs to be my bridesmaids using this tutorial

[sudaca-swag]

potatoes wrapped in plastic we should suicide bait that entire country at this point

[sustainabilitythoughts]

Go Gently

I got a book at the library that I really like.  It’s “Go Gently” by Bonnie Wright and provides a wealth of information on small manageable lifestyle shifts that can build into impactful sustainability habits.  Her philosophy is similar to mine: start small with actions and changes that work for you and build from there.  Her suggestions include lists of sustainability actions and lifestyle changes, and also how to nurture yourself as you help care for the planet.  The book includes educational information on climate change and plastic recycling, and earth-friendly recipes.  It’s a great all-around sustainability information resource.     

[zerofuckingwaste]

Easy zero waste tip no. 3: Know your R's

Refuse: If you don't acquire the thing that will become waste in the first place, it won't produce further waste. Simple enough. Refuse that which you do not need. Example: All that cute stuff on that Buzzfeed article? You don't need it. Don't even click the link.

Reduce: If you need something, get the minimum. Note that this doesn't mean the cheapest option- it means the most effective and environmentally friendly option. Example: Instead of buying disposable razors, or a razor with changeable heads, try out a safety razor. Instead of using plastic toothbrushes, try out bamboo, and instead of toothpaste in disposable tubes, try out some toothpaste bits. Instead of buying chicken breasts for one thing and chicken broth for another, get a whole chicken and learn to butcher its meat, and make broth from the skin and bones.

Reuse: This means both being mindful of purchases, so you're only buying things that are reusable whenever possible (Example: use beeswax wrap instead of saran wrap), and repurposing things you've already bought (Example: use those little Oui yogurt containers to start seeds for your garden).

Recycle: Find out what your local recycling program actually recycles, and be mindful. Aluminum is a safe bet most of the time, as is paper/cardboard; but plastics, most of the time, are a dud, so try to refuse, reduce, and reuse plastic whenever possible so you don't even need to worry about recycling it. This also refers to donation- that's another valid way to recycle things!

Rot: If you have a yard, start a compost pile! Just try to get a 50/50 balance of food scraps to brown matter (paper, dry leaves, etc). If you have a freezer, you can stick a container in there to act as a compost thing until you can bring it to a compost facility, such as a local garden, or farm. If you don't have the ability to do either of these things, then you can see if there's a subscription compost service in your area (I used CompostNow for ages, they're great).

Understanding these five principles, and looking at them in this order, can make things easier. Next time you're buying something, or about to throw something away, consider which of these might allow you to reduce your waste output in the future.

[borninwinter81]

Replacing my bag strap

Unlike many of my clothes and accessories this bag isn't thrifted. It's a bag by Jawbreaker that I absolutely love the look of, it has multiple pockets, tons of space inside, and is clearly great quality as I've had it for over 10 years and it's almost good as new. It's the only handbag I own, and I've no desire to get a new one.

However the one bit I've had to replace multiple times is the shoulder strap, since that's the bit that gets most wear and tear.

It originally had the kind of strap which clips on, but the problem with those is that after years of metal rubbing against metal, eventually it wears away to the point where the clip is thin enough that it snaps. Last couple of times I just put a new clip on, however this time not only were the clips worn away but so were the d-rings you're supposed to attach them to, so I did a more thorough job.

First of all I unpicked the stitching attaching the d-rings to the bag and replaced them with these large rectangular ones. I always save metal hardware from clothing items I mod or that are finally old and worn enough to be thrown away, and I think these came from a skirt. Happily I had two the same, so I used bits of the old strap which weren't too badly worn to make loops to sew them on.

I sewed them by hand with thick top-stitch thread doubled over, and I even did those criss-cross stitching lines to make them extra secure.

I then went to a nearby charity shop hoping to find a cheap bag I could steal the strap from, but even better, I came across this belt, the construction of which was extremely similar to the detailing already on the bag. It was £1, way cheaper than a replacement strap from ebay, which I have also bought in the past.

I didn’t want to cut the buckle off because the belt fabric would fray, so I unpicked the stitching around the buckle instead, and put the buckle away in my crafting box to hopefully reuse in the future - like I said, I save everything.

I wanted the eyelets on the belt to be visible as they match the rest of the eyelets on the bag, so I put the belt through the rectangle and folded it over as far as I could while still showing all the eyelets, then sewed it shut. Again, I did multiple rows of stitching to keep it secure, and I also oversewed down both sides.

I don't have a sliding buckle that would enable me to adjust the strap length, but I never adjust my bag strap anyway, so I just put the strap over my shoulder, adjusted it to a length that I liked, and sewed that end together too. This was a long belt so I ended up doubling it over quite far, but that's good as it will make this section of the new strap extra thick, so hopefully it's extra strong.

And there we go, it looks as if I bought it like this!

[munchboxart]

I wanna yap about Goodsmile's new packaging because the arguments against it are pissing me off

According to the company, the new design will cut down on 84% of plastic waste by them.

I'm very happy Goodsmile is making this change, I really fucking hate plastic waste, especially since it's pretty much useless outside of it's original purpose. Also because I think it's ugly in general.

Now, I know most people are upset about the window being gone. The more reasonable argument that I've heard was that you can't tell if it's a fake or not. Now, I don't know how much knock-offs there are of Nendo's, but can't you just ask the person to open the box and take close up photos? Also, if you're that worried about knock-offs, I'm sure there are legitimate stores where they sell officials, or guides on how to tell what's a knock-off and such. But I don't go here that often so I'm just hazarding this as a suggestion.

The other argument I heard against this is branding. Which I think is really stupid. Like yeah, the window is iconic, but it isn't a need. Brands can always do re-brands, at least this one has a positive on why they're removing it.

Also, Gundam and Transformers have made packaging that don't have a window like this and they're still fine. Goodsmile will be fine, they're a massive company anyways, not some indie studio.

Oh and "that it's harder to imagine what the doll will look like" as an argument or something. Which is... huh. I guess if you're looking for a particular angle, yeah, but I'm sure someone out there will make a video reviewing the figure.

The only alternative I can see where it reduces plastic AND gets to use the new packaging is something like this

Just imagine the plastic parts as the paper boxes instead but with the plastic window in front. Although, I think it adds more paper waste compared to what they're going for but whatever.

I kind of lost steam in the middle of writing this, but I'm just frustrated at the people against this. I get what it's like being a collector, I have a bunch of Kirby and Transformers figs. And I also get dealing with knock-offs. Although, Transformers is a surprisingly unique case where they're happy to say that they're a KO LOL, but it still happens (like with the Masterpiece series, I had to research what a KO looks like). But overall, I think the positives of reducing mass waste beats a collectors needs.

Edit: Also, if you're already a hardcore collector, I don't think this really changes anything for you outside of the box design? Just keep an eye out on pre-orders, look at reviews and photos, buy from trusted sources, etc.

[justalittlesolarpunk]

Solarpunk Sunday Suggestion

Host a clothing swap

[dumpster-divers-unite]

There is so much more waste out there then your brain can imagine.

That’s a fact. There is SO MUCH waste out there just in clothing alone. After it’s been ‘consumed’, we think to donate it to give it another life. When that happens to literally millions of items, the chance of what was formally your stuff getting that well deserved second chance is diminished significantly.

I’m going to give you guys a tiny behind the scenes on a warehouse I’ve partially toured yesterday for a job. It was at a goodwill location with a bin style layout for second hand consumers. The crowd of people there were of all ages and backgrounds. The moment one of the workers put a fresh bin out, they swarmed it to pick through it like a horde of zombies.

The warehouse portion of the store was as huge as your mind could think of in terms of ‘large spaces’ but bigger. I had to follow one of the associates to the offices to interview, and I slowed to look at the literal HUNDREDS of gaylords stacked in 2’s in the middle of the storage space. Every single gaylord was stuffed with clothing. If you don’t know, a Gaylord is a really big foldable cardboard box that bulk stuff like produce get shipped in. It didn’t even hit me that all of them were packed to the brim with clothing until I rounded one of the corners to see the other side of the gaylord wall, were I saw the clothing bales. Visually, it was an assault to the eyes; there was so much to see but you couldn’t just stop to gawk at it all. As I walked through, I couldn’t help but to think of how much that all must have costed first hand. How much is a normal long sleeve t shirt, $25+? Multiply it by 10,000+ in every color of the rainbow, every mix, every match, every style, and without repeating your outfits. In long sleeve shirts alone, that’s a staggering $250k. Jeans and denims are popular right now and are flooding first hand brands and trickling their way to thrifts/second hands. According to my fast research online, both men’s and women’s brand new store brand are selling for upwards of $156 on average. Ask yourself, “how many pairs of jeans do I see at my favorite thrift stores? How many racks of jeans are available second hand right now?” and see if you can come up with a number. Sense denim jeans are so common, I could reasonably use the same 10k number for the estimated amount of jeans that are in that warehouse right now and say with some level of confidence that there are at least $1,560,000 in new/like new garments hidden beneath the rest of the unwanted clothing. The numbers, on all sides, were staggering and sickening to think about. If people took the time and effort to do so, I promise you they could have stacked all of the items (both folded and unfolded) to the ceiling.

Backing away now from those dizzying numbers; coming out from the warehouse portion and back to the bins, I was near breathless. ‘Breathtaking in a queasy way’ is my best way of conveying my experience with facing, head on, how much people are consuming and discarding. I can say with absolute confidence and certainty that everything you’re seeing and reading online about the waste/pollution problem in the clothing world is true. This is one of those issues that you can only really display online to get your point across sadly, and that might take away some of the reality of the problem. The rampant message to consume more and more of the clothing that these big brand stores are offering at every opportunity they have is one issue in a sea of many, but we can start to solve it ourselves. The power to do so is in our own hands sense this is a social issue that we have to tackle together. This isn’t an issue that a government can give an answer or a set of answers for.

I encourage you to take the deep dive into your wardrobe when you have time to pick out what you’re wearing and not. Ask yourself, “What makes me wear this? What makes this shirt worth keeping? What element of this style of garment do I like, and why do I like it? Why am I keeping this if I haven’t thought about or touched this item in the past 6 months to a year?” And see what your answers are. Separate your worn from your unworn and see what can reasonably be recycled or repurposed at home before it goes to the thrift.

Be passionate about preventing waste. Maybe one day, we won’t have to worry about the mountains of clothing and items stuck in warehouses and in dumps. For now, take it slow.

[queer-ecopunk]

Scrap soup time babeyyy

[thestudentfarmer]

Anyone else enjoy thrifting and thrift shopping?

It's one of my favorite ways of keeping stuff out of the garbage heap.

And Sometimes you just need something. Sometimes, it might be cheap pants, shirts, "new" cookware or eating utensils, ridiculous decorative stuff. A ton can be found through thrifting and i don't necessarily have to feel guilty in buying some stuff I might not have gotten otherwise (or needed). Mostly because while it's already had 1 life, why not another while it's still functional and keep it out of the dump longer? 🌱💚 🌱 no need for new for everything if it's already made and here :)

I haven't been able to for a long time as I like to carpool or have donations to bring with, was able to recently go with some friends and wanted to share some of the neat buys I found.

I don't usually get lucky with pretty homemade quilts being available when thrifting, but I found this one and am pretty excited about it, (this was my top find this time)

To me, it looks hand stitched entirely, there's a few small tears that will need minimal repair and a few spots that will need some reinforcement as theres a bit of thinning. Otherwise it's quite beautiful and I know it must have taken the maker a bit of time to do. Also i must admit, im kind of inspired to get my hands back to quilting again soon from this beauty.

A sweet deal on this embroidery floss and tool(?)

To be quite honest I'm not really sure what the tool being pointed at is, if anyone knows please share your knowledge! I'll likely use the floss on some hat projects for gifts this year.

Also, I found a bag with all these bobbins and thread. I've been looking for more bobbin containers cause I like to have a full one for the common colors I use when I'm sewing. These colors I'll probably use for binding smaller quilts (dog, cat, baby, and lap quilt sized) or for attempts at making clothing if fabrics are similar colored.

I also found

A set of ceramic measuring cups with handles,

kitchen knife,

2 crocheted blankets, lap/single sized,

2 nice new picture frames (still wrapped),

A book (fun reading material),

And what I thought was a ceramic pancake 🥞 or tortilla holder/warmer for breakfast, but I think it is actually for something else? I'm using it to store fresh ginger tubers at the moment (later, mayby garlic bulbs)

I was hoping for some nice fabric to try my hands at skirt making and some interesting quilting fabric, but nothing in the selection really caught my eye this round. Lots of pretty kitchen ware and nicknacks, though. Unfortunately, there no time to even look at the clothes before we had to head off, no big loss though.

That's it for now,

🌱🌻Happy Homesteading and sustainability efforts!🌻🌱

5 16 24

[bats-and-anarchism]

This tote bag is nice and big but it had this annoying print on it because years ago i bought it at a fast fashion store to avoid a single use bag. And since i don't wanna be a walking ad and i am a little punk i am covering the print with patches. I might also make longer handles for it, so i can wear it over my shoulder. I painted most of the patches myself. This bag seems like a better place for them than my pants since i do wash my pants regularly /j. Also the weather in germany is always either too hot or too cold to wear denim jackets or vests (at least for my neurodivergent ass) so even though i do have a battle vest and a battle jacket, i barely wear them which is sad

So if u have some handy tote bags which have annoying logos on them, just cover it. U will probably use them more then since u put effort in it and they look much cooler :D

If u don't like the punk look, u could use an old shirt with a cool print on it that u don't wear anymore for whatever reason or make one big patch out of any piece of fabric big enough and paint something on it urself. It's a really fun project and hard to mess up and even if u mess it up, u can just detach ur patch and try again

[sustainabilitythoughts]

Stop using paper towels

Paper towels have always been a weakness for me because they are incredibly convenient, but I have significantly reduced the number I use and am working on cutting back even more.  Paper towels are bad for the environment in many ways.  Unless you use 100% recycled paper towels, trees are cut to manufacture the towels.  Bleach and other chemicals are used to process and whiten the paper towels.  Paper towels create a significant volume of waste when discarded, and then degrade to form methane, a powerful green house gas, in the landfills.  Some of my information sources say that using recycled paper towels is only slightly better, but other sources point out recycled paper uses significantly less water and doesn’t result in additional deforestation.  So, how do we remove paper towels from our lives?  The attached article gives some good ideas for reducing paper towel use at home.  Here are some additional thoughts:

When I do use a paper towel, I generally tear off a small piece, just enough to do the job, and save the rest of the sheet for another use.  I can frequently use a single towel for several tasks. 

Old T-shirts and towels are very useful for replacing paper towels.  Almost any absorbent rag will work. 

Paper towels are useful for absorbing greasy or oily substances and you may want to continue using them sometimes.  If you use a rag, be aware that a rag soaked in grease should not be dried in a clothes dryer after laundering.  It’s a fire safety concern.

Public restrooms frequently offer paper towels as the only hand drying option.  Several years ago, I saw a video that showed how to dry your hands using only one paper towel.  The secret is shaking the excess water off your hands into the sink before you grab the towel.  Start with one paper towel and only take a second one if your hands are not dry. 

[ninamation]

Quilted tote bag made from thrifted sweatshirt and scraps

Made a tote bag out of a thrifted sweatshirt and scraps from a dress that I made two years ago. I bought the fabric and finished 90% of it last year, then waited 11 months to finish it. It was supposed to be for my friend's birthday last year, so now it's just in time for her next one.