Unnecessary gadgets

Millions are spent each year to develop new products. Many of these are not new products at all, but rather more interesting, alluring and desirable forms of the same old products, which make people buy new things. Kitchens and bathrooms are where gadgets are most commonly found.

In 1981, two-thirds to three-quarters of houseware purchases in the USA replaced items that had worn out. By 1987, less than one-half were replacements.