Things Ain't What They Used To Be

I first became aware of it over 50 years ago. I remember going out and buying a bookcase. After about a week, it fell apart so I packed up all the bits and took it back to the shop. The man in the shop looked at me in disgust and said "You've been putting lots of books in it haven't you?" Apparently it was designed to be used with just a few books and ornaments.
Since then I have frequently encountered furniture, usually flat pack, that falls apart if you look at it in the wrong way.

I have seen numerous examples of things like outdoor door and gate fittings that bend, rust and fall apart, clay pots that are not frost proof. The plastic cutlery basket in my dishwasher has developed holes in the bottom because I will keep putting cutlery in it.

Everyday things are just not as sturdy as they should be anymore. I know there are small companies that still make durable items but understandably, they have to charge premium prices to be able to keep going.

The stitching on clothes often gives way, even in so called designer brands. Jeans which cost over £100 rip at the knee within a month.

I could go on and give many more examples. It makes me sad because far too many of these flimsy items will end up being thrown away and adding to the mountains of waste.