Throwaway culture pauses, making stuff last longer

Consumer spending has picked up, but for some the global downturn has left something behind: a greater interest in making stuff last.

It is hardly the tale of generations past, those stung by the Great Depression, who held onto antediluvian dishware and stored canned goods until rust formed on the lids. But for the moment, many citizens of throwaway societies are making fewer visits to the trash and recycling bins.

For a number of products - cars, phones, computers, even shampoo and toothpaste - the data shows a slowing of product life cycles and consumption. In many cases the difference is months, but economists and consumers say the approach may outlast a full recovery because of the strong impression the downturn made.