All those cheap, disposable goods are helping to destroy our environment, gobbling up forests and raw energy, then spewing pollution during their production and during their convoluted, transoceanic shipment chain. The big box stores they end up in are cheaply constructed and easily abandoned, highly emblematic of our disposable culture. How many out there are aware that particle board, which can be destroyed by moisture, continues to emit formaldehyde fumes into the air for many years? (Think about this next time you shop for kitchen or bathroom cabinets.) When something breaks or simply deteriorates, we haul it to the curb and expect it to magically disappear, defying the laws of physics. So we end up with endless trash heaps and landfills, with garbage barges circling the oceans.

For many years, I have bought used everything - clothing, jewelry, furniture, books, cars, houses, lighting fixtures...

I've also been a dealer in antiques and vintage goods, and know full well that old almost invariably means much better quality. During most of mankind's history, things were made to last, and pride of workmanship extended to adornment of the most mundane functional items.

What we are losing is almost all connection to the earth, to a sense of wise limits, to a love of careful creation, to caring about and for objects of integrity and beauty which become part of our personal history. This is beyond sad. If not halted, this wanton misuse of the earth will destroy it, and us in the bargain.

The hubris of casual materialism must end.

This article is an Ivy League elite waste of words. Read anything by Walter Williams and you will learn that everyone benefits when businesses succeed and everyone improves their lot. The problem this author has is the lots are not equal. Sorry, we can't all be CEOs.

From houses and cars to T-shirts and socks, and even food itself, quality has disapeared in an exchange for the cheap price.

Remember back when Penny's T-shirts lasted years, Levis and Wranglers lasted so long they became desireable in their faded holy state and commanded a high price as "USED" jeans?

Pendleton shirts were handed down through generations and they were even fought over in wills? We now discard anything which is faded or missing a button???

Schwinn bicycles stayed in the family for many generations, and we had few worries about the safety of our foods?

Purcell tennis shoes cost less than 20 dollars, but lasted through four years of high school if they weren't outgrown or stolen ?

Cars were kept for years just replacing engines, transmissions or other drive train items while re-upholstering of the interior and painting of the exterior happened before a thought of buying a new car?

We have painted ourselves into a corner and it will be hard to ever get out of being a "THROW AWAY SOCIETY". It is US who is to blame....

> The ad, and the whole IKEA approach, suggests that objects have no lasting meaning or value. They're disposable; when we tire of them, we should just throw them out.

I'm sure, that's correct, but it misses a point. We don't *have* to toss 'em. I have IKEA products that I bought over 15 years ago that I'm perfectly happy with. And yes, its shelving: it supports happily what I put on it, including books, *and* the same range is still available now when I want additional items.

There are some products I wouldn't buy there, beds for example are a non-standard size, and their cheap plastic office chairs lasted under 10 years before they split, but it doesn't sound all bad to me.

I am familiar with IKEA having bought some pieces for a business. I personally think the stuff is crap and would not look to buy anything else from them. The fact that the owners cut ethical corners to make a buck even though they belong to the "in" crowd of social liberals, does not at all surprise me. Humans can figure out way to defend all actions they take. You are defending IKEA but suggesting they aren't as bad as others.

The hatred towards Wal Mart is one of great amazement to me. I shop once a month or so at Sams Club. They sell the exact same things I can buy in any grocery, only much cheaper. In most cases at least 60 percent cheaper. The reason isn't that they are making workers around the world work cheaper compared to other grocery chains, which nobody is complaining about, but that the packaging is in bulk. They have buying power. I have had some very interesting conversations with their management about items I wished they stocked but won't. It is all about dollar for the space. They stock what sells quickly and gets the best bang for the space it takes up. I would argue they sell quality for cheap, not just cheap for cheap.

That being said, I am absolutely against the barrage of cheap stuff being sold on shelves today. It is why I stopped going to malls years ago. I simply cannot stand to look at what shoppers are buying to just fill up their need to shop.

Some years ago, I witnessed a chair maker in NC build chairs without glue, or nails. He was NOT a rich man but had amazing talent and a book of orders that could rival any furniture maker. I begged him for some chairs sitting in a corner that he finally sold me. Come to find out they had been on order for 2 years. I would meet the very angry customer years later. The chairs are perfect today although they have had significant use. They will be here when I am dead and gone and the next generation as well. They are an honor to own and the person that made them was happy to be a furniture maker. We should be encouraging US made quality items that set a fair price, allow our citizens to make a decent living, and something to be proud to sell.