They just don’t make them like they used to. Have you ever said or thought these words?

Products were not designed to last. Purchase of replacement products contribute to the profits of the manufacturers. Software programs, for instance, are constantly changing and must be replaced if you want support. The software still works but is no longer supported because the manufacturers want you to buy the new one.

We are replacing perfectly good usable electronics such as the cell phone for the latest and greatest. You’re considered out of style if you don’t. Fairly new furniture is replaced because it no longer matches our decor. Cars get replaced because the newer models have more bells and whistles. All kinds of stuff gets thrown away including kitchen equipment, dishwashers, stoves, hot water heaters and refrigerators. One of the reasons we buy new kitchen equipment, dishwashers, stoves, etc. is because they have stopped working and it’s cheaper to replace them rather than repairing them. This “out with the old, in with the new” thinking is good for the manufacturers but not so good for the environment. Is this how we spend our hard earned “disposable income”?

Plastic bottles, plastic bags or anything plastic take a long time to decompose, which is why we should recycle them. We should use less plastic products in addition to recycling them. Think of the plastic stirrers and the coffee cup lids thrown away every day at your favorite coffee shop. And don’t forget the plastic containers used for your treat to go with your coffee or tea. We should bring our own reusable shopping bags when we go to the store. At least 45 cities and counties in California have bag reduction ordinances. A minimum 10 cent charge for each bag is required in the city and county of San Francisco. In San Francisco, disposable bags used have been reduced by 70-90 percent since the checkout bag charge became effective on October 1, 2012.

Think before you dispose.