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.