North america Quote by Rachel Botsman
““Guess what percentage of total material flow through this system is still in product or use 6 months after their sale in North America. Fifty percent? Twenty? NO. One percent. One! In other words . . . 99 percent of the stuff we run through this system is trashed within 6 months.””
About This Quote
Source Talk: The Future of Trust, 2017
Most products become waste quickly, revealing a linear‑economy problem of short‑life cycles.
In simple terms: Most stuff is discarded fast.
Key Takeaway
Design for longevity and reuse.
Themes
sustainability
economy
design
Mood
concerned
urgent
Type
analytical
call‑to‑action
When to use this quote
- product development
- policy making
- consumer education
Key Concepts
Circular economy
product lifespan
consumer behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How can companies redesign for longer use?
- What incentives reduce fast disposal?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all markets behave similarly; may overlook regional differences.
