Final answer:
The concept being defined is planned obsolescence, a business strategy where products are designed to be obsolete or unusable after a certain period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept in question is related to planned obsolescence, a business strategy where products are designed with an intentionally limited useful life, so they become obsolete after a certain period or amount of use. This encourages consumers to purchase the latest models and discourages repair of older ones. When the cost of repair exceeds that of replacement, consumers are pushed towards buying new. Substitution often refers to the idea of replacing an inferior or unavailable product with one that is superior or readily available.
In contrast, a shift away from a disposable economy would mean embracing durable goods, promoting high-quality craftsmanship, and emphasizing the repair of devices rather than their replacement. This can be seen in the context of electronics, where the environmental cost of manufacturing an entire new unit is significantly higher compared to replacing a single failed component.
The Advantages of Durability
Choosing to repair or replace components, such as gearboxes or other accessories, could lead to a more sustainable economy where items are valued for their longevity and their ability to be upgraded or efficiently repaired. This shift would also play a part in reducing environmental impact and fostering a greater appreciation for well-made, lasting products.