Coping with “Planned Obsolescence”//
　　Is there anything we can do/to cope with planned obsolescence?// One thing we can do/is to repair and keep using our electrical and electronic devices/for as long as possible.// When products break,/we can either repair them by ourselves,/or have them repaired by the shop/where we bought them.// The longer we can use them,/the less impact they will have on the environment.// We can extend the life of our devices,/save money,/and reduce the burden of the many gadgets/that have turned into the world’s junk.// Furthermore,/we can reduce the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions/associated with the production of new products.//
　　In recent years,/however,/a new way to make products obsolete/is on the rise:/“repair prevention.”// Now it is getting more and more difficult/for individuals and repair shops/to troubleshoot electrical and electronic devices.// This is partly because devices have become more complex,/but it is partly by design.// Manufacturers are limiting access to repair information/to authorized service centers,/leaving private repairers unable to deal with even simple problems.// Some companies also refuse to provide repair manuals.// Thus,/it’s just easier and sometimes cheaper/to buy something new.//
　　Obviously,/companies have an incentive/to make it difficult to repair their products.// If they can control the repairs,/they can make money.// The profit is increased/because companies with a monopoly on repair/can set prices higher than the market would otherwise bear.// The result:/more and more e-waste is being dumped into landfills.//