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Consumption Incentives

Generally agree with the case against frequent flier incentives in this article. But the same is logic is applicable for just about any loyalty program - it promotes needless consumption and rewards those who are most at fault. There are few incentives if any for consuming responsibly. When it comes to clothing for instance, products are not made to last as they once were. I have a sweater from my childhood that I received as a gift from an expat relative. It was much too big for me then but intentionally so - they wanted me to get the most use out of and grown into it. And so I did. There is no telling how many times this thing has been washed over the years.

J says its a look that's quite fashionable now and she took it with her to college. This sweater does not look many decades old as it really is. I have clothes bought in the last couple of years that look more worn out than it. This idea of being built to last is no longer in vogue - because it does not promote ceaseless consumption. It was possible to have a few basic articles of clothing that lasted a person most of their adult lives. Of the clothes I have, I treasure my hand-loom sarees the most. Some I have inherited from others in the extended family. The styles may be more vintage than modern but I love wearing them for the memories they bring back. I would not trade that for a "frequent flier" relationship with buying and the incentives that it could earn me. 

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