• Pay attention to
  quality High-quality products tend to be more expensive, but they also tend to last significantly longer. Low prices may tempt us to buy, but they often indicate products that we will not enjoy for long.
• Repair rather than replace
  Does a broken item really need to be replaced? In many cases, it can be repaired. If the manufacturer refuses to repair it, another option is to contact a repair café. You can also find lots of repair tips online in the maker movement and DIY (do-it-yourself) communities.
• Avoid trends
  There are things that don't go out of fashion so quickly and serve their purpose for many years. Disposing of a device or object just because it no longer suits current tastes causes unnecessary environmental pollution. Before making a new purchase, you should first determine which functions you really use.
• Consider follow-up
  costs Does it have to be the latest tablet, or can I buy the same device again? When buying a different model, follow-up costs often arise due to changed connections or different dimensions. The new smartphone case and the matching charging cable also cause environmental pollution.
• Professional devices for frequent users
  Many manufacturers produce devices for both private and professional users. When it comes to notebooks, printers, and similar IT devices, it is worth paying more to purchase the better-made model for business use. Specialist retailers for catering and craft supplies also offer more durable professional versions of kitchen appliances and DIY equipment.
• Shop locally
  When buying from a local retailer, you can usually take your time to examine the device first. Typical breaking points, material properties, and handling can be assessed much better on site, protecting you from making the wrong purchase.
• Claiming warranty
  If a defect occurs within the warranty period, the buyer is entitled to subsequent performance. If repair or replacement is not possible or feasible, the buyer can also demand withdrawal, a reduction in the purchase price, or compensation.
• Ask about replacement
  parts You can also ask the retailer directly about other customers' experiences or the extent to which a warranty applies to "wear parts." You can also ask what replacement parts are available, how long they will be available, and how much they cost.

Whether and to what extent the service life of devices is intentionally shortened is currently a matter of debate. A study by the German Federal Environment Agency was unable to prove that manufacturers deliberately shorten product life by incorporating defects. Rather, manufacturers calculate a specific product life based on target groups, areas of application, and product cycles.