Throw Away Society

Hi Everyone,

For about 20 years or so, we have been living in a throw away society. We buy things that are used either once or for a limited time and then we throw it away. There are even other things that we buy that if taken care of, would last a lot longer. Some examples are: lawnmowers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, patio furniture and even cars.

We all know people who buy something new and in a short time, they look old and don't run or work like they used to. If they had only taken care of them, they wouldn't have to replace them prematurely. I have even known people who can't seem to keep a car in tip top shape after 3 or 4 years. Of course they then either have to pay a huge bill to their mechanic to repair it or they get rid of it in order to get a new or used one.

I have always been a practioner of taking care of everything that we buy. We have a beautiful and large patio table and chairs that are 11 years old and still looks new. They get taken into the garage during the winter to protect them. I had a leaf blower that lasted 19 years. I had a chainsaw last me 29 years until dry rot and an unavailability of replacement parts forced me to buy a new one. Believe me when I tell you that, that chainsaw had a huge workout during its lifetime, including cutting some 65 cords of wood. I also still have a car that I got new and is now 26 years old and still going strong with almost 300,000 miles on it. Although it is no longer a daily driver, it looks and drives like new and when I show it at car shows, people are amazed. With each of those purchases, I read the owner's manual and followed the instructions to keep them all running and looking like new. In this day and age, everytime you have to replace one of those products, you face sticker shock at the cost. Maintaining your things will save you a lot of money over the life time of its use. Common sense has proven to me time after time that taking care of your things is the most efficient way to go. In addition to the fact that you save money, you also get to wear a badge of honor with your friends and repair businesses when you tell and/or show them.

Think about it. Til next week.

Peter