I wish there were a clear way to split up truly practical goods (medical equipment, basics such as silverware, phones, etc) and consumer trash (smart dishwashers, children’s toys, TVs, etc. Individual items didn’t used to be so cheap, and people simple owned less crap. Most people don’t seem to know how to practice self-restraint, and the only way to prevent the manufacturing and accumulation of mountains of consumer garbage just seems to be to price people out of it.

Is a world where people buy less crap a good thing? I really think so. But, there will be (valid) stories basic things which people truly need (baby formula, etc.) are scarce or far too expensive.