Have you ever tried to give away used appliances or furniture? I've had this conversation with people living on both coasts and in the middle. Oftentimes it's impossible to find takers. Charitable organizations need warehouse space, and it can be expensive. Timing is all. An aquaintance living on Cape Cod told me she placed ads in newspapers of three states and made dozens of telephone calls to give away three-year-old appliances from a deceased relative's estate.. Zero takers. They had to pay to send the items to the junk yard.
The techno-trash is another matter. My new flat screen LCD monitor is such an improvement and is kinder to my eyes, but the old monitor, which is kaput, will have to go out with the trash. It isn't all that old, either. And, despite its faithful service, it is a.) ugly, and b.) too big for a door stop. This will never end up in an antique shop 75 years hence with people cooing admiringly at the craftsmanship or design or the nifty manufacturer's label. No, this will end up rotting slowly in a dump. Yes, I could have refurbished it - for more than a brand new one would cost.
What's to be done with all our ugly junk? Being more than a little German - it has its strong points - I have a genetic tic which works against any littering impulse, and the thought of wasting perfectly good (fill in the blank) is disquieting. Beyond that, the violation of secluded spots by yahoos who unload washing machines, toilets and automobile tires onto the forest floor fills me with enough righteous anger to power a small reactor.
Nothing against washing machines and vacuum cleaners, mind you. Beating rugs or clothes on a rock can stay conveniently in the past. However, a number of years ago I wanted to replace a part on an expensive vacuum and was told after persistently calling one repair place after another that the parts' manufacture was subcontracted to different shops and that the part I needed likely wasn't being manufactured any longer.
I do remember when Keep America Beautiful was much more a part of the national discourse than it is today. The stamps here from a plate block were issued in 1969. In 1970 on the first Earth Day, even establishment business people were out demonstrating in favor of saving Planet Earth. We talked about what might be necessary in order to slow, and with luck, reverse, terminal conventions. What happened?
5 comments:
I love used stuff....when I've looked for used appliances all I do is run across people who either want almost new prices or are trying to sell what is clearly junk. I want stuff that works and doesn't consume more energy than it has to.
Yeah...I bought an LCD monitor and I became addicted...a 17" LCD with the area of a 19" CRT....it was great not to sit behind that CRT monster...and they consume a lot less power although I have no idea about how much energy it takes to manufacure one...compared to a CRT...
A wash machine is nice...here in Albuquerque I just hang thing to dry...
rt
Thanks for tips re old CRT. A friend emailed me to call Catholic schools because they never have $ and ask if they want it for parts.
I'm still annoyed about the vacuum. This happened before the internet, or I might have been able to save it.
It's now a "throw-away" world alright.
One example is that it's now far cheaper to buy a new pair of shoes, than to have a pair mended.
To find a 'cobbler'/shoe repairer still in business anywhere - is a very rare thing.
if you use those stamps today the post office will return your mail
Richard - Yes! I have a good cobbler in Chicago, but hefty price tag to go along. It's called Brooks Shoe Repair (if you're ever in the neighborhood).
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