I think Dogoak and TLM have hit on the broader topic here as well. All the gear we purchase, use, store.
Over the years, I have been as guilty as the next buying the latest kit and using it a bit before moving on, resulting in quite a hoard that needs clearing out.
But it is good to sell on and get re-use by someone else. Recycling in a way.
As I get older, greyer, wiser ( maybe). I have moved towards repair, rebuild and re-use. Traditional fabrics that are long lasting and hard wearing, old tools from the local secondhand market that just need a new handle because the metal is actually fine (and probably better than some new stuff), and kit that can be revisited rather than replaced.
I was horrified when I went looking for a replacement axe handle in a couple of major retailers. They don't sell them, not even wedges for repair. When questioned the reply was, throw out the old axe head and buy a new axe !
How we use our environment covers such a broad context.The fuel we use, the signs we leave, the consumables we 'suck' up. Have you ever looked at the stuff people throw out at your local tip, or the stack of scrapped cars at the local breakers that are in better nick than the one you drive (sorry, off topic irritation starting to show now - not because of my car, it is old and basic and I love it, but because of the shear WASTE!)
Interesting topic...and worth pricking the conscience every now and again.
K
Over the years, I have been as guilty as the next buying the latest kit and using it a bit before moving on, resulting in quite a hoard that needs clearing out.
But it is good to sell on and get re-use by someone else. Recycling in a way.
As I get older, greyer, wiser ( maybe). I have moved towards repair, rebuild and re-use. Traditional fabrics that are long lasting and hard wearing, old tools from the local secondhand market that just need a new handle because the metal is actually fine (and probably better than some new stuff), and kit that can be revisited rather than replaced.
I was horrified when I went looking for a replacement axe handle in a couple of major retailers. They don't sell them, not even wedges for repair. When questioned the reply was, throw out the old axe head and buy a new axe !
How we use our environment covers such a broad context.The fuel we use, the signs we leave, the consumables we 'suck' up. Have you ever looked at the stuff people throw out at your local tip, or the stack of scrapped cars at the local breakers that are in better nick than the one you drive (sorry, off topic irritation starting to show now - not because of my car, it is old and basic and I love it, but because of the shear WASTE!)
Interesting topic...and worth pricking the conscience every now and again.
K
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