雅思阅读

📖 Reading Passage

The concept of 'planned obsolescence' has been a cornerstone of industrial design since the 1920s, when manufacturers deliberately shortened product lifecycles to stimulate consumer demand. However, recent research in sustainable economics challenges this paradigm, arguing that such strategies not only deplete natural resources but also undermine long-term market stability. A 2021 study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation found that extending product durability by just 10% could reduce waste by 30% and create new business models based on repair and refurbishment. Critics of this shift contend that slower replacement cycles may dampen innovation and job growth in manufacturing sectors. Nevertheless, proponents highlight examples like the European Union's 'Right to Repair' legislation, which mandates spare part availability for up to ten years, as evidence that regulatory frameworks can align economic incentives with environmental goals. The debate ultimately hinges on whether consumer societies can redefine progress from quantity of goods to quality of utility.