Are there any studies in re practicality of reducing greenhouse gases by making quality goods?

Question

Major greenhouse emissions come from manufacture & transport. A huge reduction could be achieved by making things to last as long as possible, instead of the planned obsolesence model we now use.

Of course there would be effects on the economy caused by the lowered necessity for production of new goods.

However, much of that economic consequence would be offset by bringing the factories back from China, thus eliminating GG emissions caused by transportation.

Also there would be some alleviation from not needing to replace your veeblefetzer every 2 years.

Nonetheless, SOME changes to the economic model would require some action to counter act the "invisible hand" of the oligarchically manipulated market forces.

Any thoughts or info?

Answer 1

its a growing field. i read a good article in new scientist a year or so ago, but its subscriber only, sorry.

one reason i always preferred old second hand stuff (from my first jumble sale age 10 hooray! elbows out laydees, mind out for the grannies, they are vicious) was that it was so well made. e.g. i would rather have a 50 year old cupboard that is going to last another 50, than a shoddy new one for twice the price that will be knackered in 20.

heres a good start, loads of links;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable...

Answer 2

I wonder as you work, do you produce shoddy goods?

Manufacturing always uses drives, motors, and computer automation to use the least amount of energy to produce quality goods, as producing high quality products with the least amount of energy and raw materials yields the highest profits.

This idea that people make goods that are cheap and no good to make a profit is senseless, unless you enjoy shoddy goods that are overpriced.