Our new economy may be just the motivation people need to stop and think before they toss.

If something breaks our first instinct is to throw it away and buy it new, instead of trying to fix it.

But even if we wanted to fix it, manufacturers have made it difficult for us to repair, re-use or upgrade our stuff.

Mr. Jalopy urges technology companies to create forums for consumers to share ideas, and pushes car companies to sell patterns so people can create accessories like seat covers....he wants companies to make schematics readily available so consumers can fix and re-imagine the objects they buy.

"But even if we wanted to fix it, manufacturers have made it difficult for us to repair, re-use or upgrade our stuff."

Very true, and applies to 90% of the electronics made to this day. I have said over and over as well-

Reduce the amount you throw away-
Reuse the thinigs that can be-
Recycle the items you can't reuse or will throw away
Push for bio degradable materials in items that are to be thrown away.