Buy it for life

​The concept of “buy it for life” is becoming more popular and is an important sustainability tactic.  Basically, it means buying items that are designed, manufactured, and intended to last a long time before needing replacement.  All the resources needed to replace a less durable item are saved, because no replacement is needed.  When you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to find the money to buy a better-quality item, but over the long haul, it will save you money.  However, “buy it for life” does not necessarily mean buying a more expensive item, because more costly does not always equal better quality.  You’ll have to do some research to find out which items are repairable, which have good ratings for durability, and which have just the features you want and not a lot of extra features you’ll never use.  Sometimes the sustainability feature is not obvious, such as cellphones whose manufacturers no longer do security updates for a phone after a few years, meaning you either have to buy a new phone or live with security vulnerabilities.  Try to buy items that can be repaired or upgraded.  Make sure you do the maintenance and care needed to keep the item in good operating condition, because even the best item does not hold up to neglect and misuse.  It takes more time and personal energy to “buy it for life” but it helps the earth and also supports companies that make more durable and repairable products.