Planned obsolescence punished with imprisonment? – The Republic

WILL very unlikely that the amendment approved in late September by the Special Committee on Energy Assemblée Nationale withstand examination of the classroom. The passage of the measure will be long and arduous and the amendment will likely have a short life, but it’s still a very strong signal sent to the industrial sector. In France, the planned obsolescence (or planned) is no longer a taboo. Indeed, according to the three MPs ecologists, who presented it, it is even a crime punishable by up to two years in prison, as well as a fine of up to 300 thousand euro. That is, anyone who produces objects in order to make them last a little would make it liable for fraud to the detriment of consumers, say MPs Eric Alauzet, Denis Baupin and Cécile Duflot. The latter is even a former minister in the first government of the era Hollande.

The basic idea is that we can no longer afford the planned obsolescence, for reasons of economic and environmental sustainability. In France, the theme is particularly felt by the public, and most times it was thought to legislative action, so far always failed. Same thing in Italy, where a similar bill of some members of the Left Ecology and Freedom is over on the siding of the measures or taken into consideration.

The latest report of the French l ‘ environment says that purchases of electronic equipment have increased six-fold between 1990 and 2007, while during the same period, expenditure on repairs has fallen by 40%. 44% of electronic items end up in landfills, without even an attempt at repair. It is no coincidence that France is the country in which they are reborn, thanks to the impetus of the movement makers, laboratories repair best known as Repair Café.

The planned obsolescence is a reality or urban legend? Really manufacturers of washing machines, refrigerators, computers, printers, and so they decide a priori what is the life cycle of the object in order to facilitate the constant replacement? The scientific and economic world is divided on the subject, but multiply research and studies that argue for planning theory established by forfeit.

The initiative of French parliamentarians (and Italian) is unrealistic? A battle against the windmills? Maybe, but it does have the merit of reopening the debate. The alternative would be to resign themselves to the washing machine clockwork.

(*) of TOM’S HARDWARE

Arguments:

hi-tech waste

electronic waste

Industry

appliances

French Government

Starring: