So, I work in obsolescence trying to support systems that operate for upwards of 20-30 years. It has been a real learning experience, as I have a much longer p

So, I work in obsolescence trying to support systems that operate for upwards of 20-30 years. It has been a real learning experience, as I have a much longer product lifecycle to support, and yet, we burn through material for repairs. There is very little actual board repair or similar, more pull out a entire assembly, toss it and put it an entire new assembly. Wasteful, just like Apple or similar saying to just throw out the entire device (or recycle it). I don't like it, but ultimately I can see our disposable consumer culture really manifested through this situation. Most commercial-off-the-shelf components are not made to last for time to market, material and cost reasons. If they were, the pace of technological development might decrease and cost would probably increase. Sometimes I wonder if we have progressed "enough" technologically to step back and use the power we have to build some long term support/sustainable technology infrastructure. Yet I fear unless our hand is forced, we will persist in the current trends of using a lot of energy and raw material to produce something that doesn't last long enough, and then sell "recycling" as the solution. Can the recycling chain really make up for all the energy, and activity consumed and pollution/byproducts produced throughout the process? Sometimes I wonder if we spent more time on modular, upgradeable designs, long term support components, etc. we might fair better. Easier said than done? Sustainable engineering/manufacturing is a complex, emerging science. Still, obsolescence is a many headed hydra, whether you do long term support or planned obsolescence. I don't see any easy answers but I'm looking!