The Lost Art of Maintenance

We used to have to take care of things.

With the age of Industrialization, the world was introduced to the power of mass production. Suddenly all manner of everyday items were easily replaceable: tools, tables, brooms, kitchen knives, cutting boards, boots, chairs, bedframes, curtains – everything! These kinds of essential, everyday items used to be something that you had to trade for or buy from a local artisan. But with the age of mass production came the age of mass consumption, and with demand came supply. Everyday items could be manufactured on the cheap, and the savings passed on to everyday people. The industrialists of the world cashed in on this, and in doing so perpetuated a cycle of consumption that defines today’s western societies.  

As the 20^th century progressed, western civilization grew so accustomed to consumption that we developed a sense of security, and a bad habit: the sense of security being that if something breaks, we know we can replace it quickly and easily; the bad habit being using everyday items to the point that they’re no longer working, and going to a big-box store and replacing them.  

These days it is often easier to just use something until it’s worn out, then throw it away and buy a new one.

But isn’t that bad?

First, let’s consider the pros and cons of mass-production:

1. Lower costs: Mass-production allows for economies of scale, which can result in lower costs for consumers.
2. Greater accessibility: supply chains allow for wide transportation of goods, so items are often more available and affordable, making them accessible to a larger portion of the population.
3. Standardization: factory made goods are often highly standardized, with minimal variations in design.
4. Environmental impact: industrialized manufacturing can lead to increased use of resources such as water, energy, and raw materials, as well as increased pollution and waste.
5. Loss of craftsmanship: Mass-production can lead to a loss of traditional craftsmanship and skills, as goods are increasingly made by machines.
6. Quality issues: goods made en-masse by machinery may not be of the same quality as handmade goods, and the lack of attention to detail can result in defects.
7. Impact on local economy: as most manufacturing has been outsourced around the world, there is a separation and displacement of local industries and artisans, which can have a negative impact on local economies.
8. Lower-Grade Materials: gross manufacturers often cut corners to generate as much revenue as they can, which can result in inferior products that may fail more rapidly.

We have all been buying mass-produced, low-quality items for our homes and lives. Oftentimes because it’s easier and cheaper to just keep buying ‘disposable’ goods.

Maybe we should try to put the extra money aside, save up and then spend the extra bit?

There is an old adage that it’s often worth it to ‘buy once, cry once’, and then take care of that item. If we could all adjust our buying habits, we could create less waste, less emissions from shipping and manufacturing, and less pile-up in our landfills!

Thankfully, we are seeing a consumer trend that has slowly been gaining more and more popularity: people are buying high-quality goods and trying to take care of them, so that they last for years and years.

Why it's important to take care of your quality items:

1. Proper maintenance can increase and items lifespan, allowing you to use it for a longer period of time before needing to replace it.
2. Proper care can also help preserve the appearance and functionality of the item, making it look and work like new for longer.
3. Taking care of quality goods can also prevent costly repairs or replacements, saving you money in the long run.
4. Proper care also helps to maintain the value of the item, whether it is for sentimental or resale value!

These ideas are not singular. They are re-gaining traction all over the world. All you have to do is visit your local farmer’s market on the weekend and you will find craftspeople and artisans in your area who are trying to get back to the ideals of sustainability and community reliance. In every community you can find carpenters making home-made furniture, farmers with their home-grown produce, leatherworking hobbyists making belts, boots, and bridles, or foodies batching up some delicious preserves.

So why are handmade goods seeing a resurgence of popularity?  

1. Quality and uniqueness: Handmade goods are often seen as being of higher quality and having more character than mass-produced goods. Each handmade item is unique and has its own story, adding to its appeal and value.
2. Sustainability: With an increased awareness of environmental issues and the costs of inflation/shipping, there is a growing demand for products that are made using sustainable methods and materials. Handmade goods are often made using locally sourced materials, and are often produced in smaller quantities, reducing the environmental impact of production.
3. Supporting local: Many people are looking to support local artisans and small businesses, rather than huge, faceless corporations. Handmade goods provide an opportunity to buy directly from the people making it, and to learn about the stories and processes behind the items.
4. Slow living movement: With the fast-paced nature of modern life, there is a growing interest in slowing down, and valuing the process of creation over the final product. Handmade goods represent a connection to traditional crafts and the human touch.
5. Personalization: With the rise of e-commerce, consumers have easy access to a wide variety of craftspeople working from home. Handmade goods can offer a level of personalization that is hard to find in mass-produced products, allowing for a unique and special item.
6. Increasing interest in DIY and crafts: more and more these days, people are looking for unique and high-quality materials to work with, leading to the popularity of handmade goods. The recent pandemic brought a lot of changes to the world, one of which being the trend of people trying out new hobbies from home under lockdown!

There are a lot of reasons to continue shopping at big-box chains and buying replacements for things that have worn out. It might be cheaper, it might be easier… but is it the best way to spend your hard-earned money? The next time you go to replace a broken or worn-out item, maybe you will reconsider just buying something made in a factory overseas. Maybe you will consider waiting and saving up the extra bit to take something home that you can take care of, and will last you a lifetime. Something that won’t end up so quickly in a landfill.

It’s a state of mind. A hundred years ago, people would never have just thrown something away; they would have taken the pride to restore it, protect it, and maintain it.

The old ways are sometimes the best ways.