I don’t think I’ve ever owned a toaster. I’m talking about the small kitchen appliance that browns bread products. To my knowledge that’s all it does and will ever be able to do. I’m sure I own devices that only accomplish one task; I used to have a waffle maker for instance. I still want one after my last one was damaged (apartment flood, not misuse or planned obsolescence). However, I realize it’s not a particularly efficient use of kitchen space.
This brings me to toaster versus toaster oven. The former, described above, is a single purpose device. We currently have one in our furnished rental. The latter, which we own and is in storage, is large and takes up valuable counter space. However, it can bake, broil, reheat, and cook food. It also happens to toast bread products, including bagels, the only other bread product that comes to mind for the toaster.
Products and devices that have a single function represent the very heart of unsustainable thinking and design. Specialization is important in a number of fields, but so is multi-functionality. By producing products that serve one purpose we encourage unnecessary consumption. While consuming is an economic driver, smart consumption will be essential in a sustainable future. Ideally we will get to the point where we only consume resources that renew every year. Until then, let’s make sure we are smart about our purchases. Every dollar unnecessarily spent is a dollar that can’t be saved and that’s not sustainable either.
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