Our Desire for New Is Killing the Planet—and Us

Ever found yourself scrolling through the latest deals, convincing yourself that you need the upgrade? “It’s faster, shinier, better,” the ad promises. Even though your current gadget works just fine, you might still hit “Buy Now.” We’ve all been there. But here’s the thing: that itch to buy isn’t just you. It’s by design.

Corporations have spent decades perfecting the art of feeding our craving for the newest, shiniest thing. They’re not selling products we need—they’re selling our desire for the product. And while we’re left with the all too fleeting thrill of “new,” the planet is saddled with mountains of discarded “old.”

The new Netflix documentary Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy digs into how we got here, pulling back the curtain on the tactics that have been invented to keep us hooked on buying—and the devastating consequences. Featuring voices including ours at iFixit, the film challenges us to rethink our relationship with shopping and highlights the urgent need for change.

Let’s talk about what’s at stake—and how we can fix it.

The Cost of New

We’ve been sold the idea that progress means better, faster, newer, but that progress has come at a steep cost. Billions are spent producing products that break (or feel obsolete) sooner than we want. Software updates slow older devices. Batteries are glued in, never to be replaced. Repair manuals are hidden behind legal barriers or unavailable entirely. It’s not just inconvenient, it’s creating a crisis.

E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide, with less than 40% recycled in the EU alone. The rest? It ends up in drawers, landfills or incinerators, leaching toxic chemicals into our soil and water—or worse, shipped off to poorer nations to deal with. 

At iFixit, we hear about it every day: devices written off as ‘unrepairable’—not because they were beyond saving, but because the right parts, tools, or knowledge weren’t available. That’s why we’ve spent over two decades fighting back—by empowering people to repair what they own and pushing for durability over disposability. 

Repair isn’t just about fixing broken stuff. It’s about fixing a system that’s been broken for a long time.

Keep What You Have

Black Friday is practically a holiday for consumption, where the message is clear: buy now, buy cheap, buy new. It’s the day we’re all urged to chase the next shiny thing. And while iFixit has Black Friday deals too, ours come with a twist: they’re not about adding to the clutter—they’re about helping you cut through it.

We’re offering discounts on toolkits and bit sets to help you repair what you already own. Because buying tools that last is an investment in keeping your gadgets running for years to come. Think about it: a single toolkit could help you—or someone you care about—breathe new life into a phone, laptop, or appliance, saving money and reducing waste in the long run.

And here’s the truth: If you already have the tools you need, there’s truthfully no reason to buy more! Use what you have. That’s what repair is all about: getting the most out of what you already own.

The Bigger Picture

Embracing repair is about more than fixing a broken device. It’s about fixing a broken mindset—pushing back against the throwaway culture that corporations count on. Every time you choose to repair instead of replace, you’re taking a stand for sustainability, durability, and self-reliance. Trust us, you can fix the things you own.

So, let’s rethink the deal. Choose repair, not replacement. Choose old, not new. Together, let’s fix a broken system—one thing at a time.