[vlunkr]

> Also, if a sewing machine or microwave broke, you would get it repaired rather than replaced with a new one

This is a big trade-off. The way things are now, I wouldn't mind swinging back that way a bit. Our houses are filled with electronics that are one failed component away from being trash.

On top of that, it's pretty hard to know if you're buying garbage or not, even from retailers that should be reputable. (I blame Amazon for setting that trend).

[justinlloyd]

When considering "reputable brands" look at the length of warranty on an item. We purchased a countertop oven late last year. The warranty was five years parts & labour. Every major brand was one year warranty. The closet we could get was a single major brand with a three year warranty. That's my litmus test these days; not branding, not marketing, not price, not availability, not "reviews", not Consumer Reports. One number - how long is your warranty and does it cover parts and labour?

[p_j_w]

On top of all of this, you have the horrific effects on the environment of plastic waste and excessive manufacturing.