Have you ever wondered why some everyday items, like light bulbs, don’t last as long as they could? There’s an intriguing story behind this, involving a secret group called the Phoebus Cartel. This article explores the history of light bulbs and how this cartel influenced their lifespan for profit.
At the Livermore Fire Station No. 6, there’s a light bulb that’s been shining since 1901! This bulb has lasted over 120 years, much longer than modern bulbs. How is this possible? It was made by hand and uses only four to five watts of power. Because it’s always on, it avoids the stress of turning on and off, which helps it last longer.
In the 1920s, light bulbs typically lasted 2,000 to 2,500 hours. But in 1924, a secret meeting in Geneva changed everything. Major light bulb companies formed the Phoebus Cartel to make sure bulbs didn’t last more than 1,000 hours. Why? Longer-lasting bulbs meant fewer sales. They even fined companies whose bulbs lasted too long!
To make bulbs burn out faster, engineers changed materials and designs. By 1934, the average bulb lifespan dropped to 1,205 hours, boosting sales by 25%. Although the cartel claimed they were improving efficiency, their real goal was profit. The cartel eventually broke apart, but the idea of planned obsolescence continued.
Today, planned obsolescence is still common. Companies design products to wear out so you’ll buy more. For example, Apple faced criticism for slowing down older iPhones, leading to lawsuits. During the Great Depression, some even suggested making products with short lifespans to boost the economy.
The car industry also used similar tactics. Henry Ford wanted to make cars that lasted forever, but as more people bought cars, manufacturers started changing styles every year to encourage new purchases. This strategy, called dynamic obsolescence, is still used today.
As people become more aware of planned obsolescence, movements for the right to repair are growing. Laws in the European Union and some U.S. states aim to make it easier to fix products, reducing the need for constant replacements. While new technologies like LED bulbs last longer, the challenge of planned obsolescence remains.
The history of light bulbs shows how far companies will go to increase profits, sometimes at the cost of quality and customer satisfaction. As we look to the future, it’s important to push for transparency and sustainability in product design, so we’re not stuck in a cycle of planned obsolescence.
Investigate the history and mechanics of the Livermore Light Bulb. Create a presentation that explains why this bulb has lasted over 120 years. Consider factors like its construction, power usage, and continuous operation. Present your findings to the class, highlighting how it contrasts with modern bulbs.
Divide into two groups and prepare for a debate on the ethics of planned obsolescence. One group will argue in favor, citing economic benefits and innovation, while the other will argue against, focusing on consumer rights and environmental impact. Use examples from the article, such as the Phoebus Cartel and Apple, to support your arguments.
Work in small teams to design a product that could last significantly longer than current market offerings. Consider materials, design, and functionality. Create a prototype or detailed sketch, and explain how your product avoids planned obsolescence. Present your design to the class, emphasizing sustainability and consumer benefits.
Calculate the financial impact of the Phoebus Cartel’s decision to reduce bulb lifespan. Assume a bulb costs $2.50 and lasts 1,000 hours. Compare this to a bulb that costs $3.00 and lasts 2,500 hours. Determine which option is more cost-effective over 10,000 hours of use. Present your calculations and conclusions to the class.
Research the right to repair movement and its implications for consumers and manufacturers. Create a report or infographic that outlines current laws, key players, and potential benefits and challenges. Discuss how this movement could impact the future of planned obsolescence and consumer rights.
Light – Electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye and is responsible for the sense of sight. – When light passes through a prism, it separates into a spectrum of colors.
Bulb – A device that produces light from electricity, typically consisting of a glass casing and a filament or LED. – The incandescent bulb converts electrical energy into light and heat.
Cartel – An association of manufacturers or suppliers that maintain prices at a high level and restrict competition. – In the early 20th century, a cartel of light bulb manufacturers agreed to limit the lifespan of bulbs to increase sales.
Lifespan – The duration of time that an object, organism, or device is expected to function or exist. – The lifespan of an LED bulb is significantly longer than that of an incandescent bulb.
Power – The rate at which energy is transferred or converted, often measured in watts ($W$). – The power of a light bulb is calculated by multiplying the voltage by the current, $P = VI$.
Materials – Substances or components with certain physical properties used in the production of goods. – The materials used in the construction of a light bulb include glass, tungsten, and inert gases.
Efficiency – The ratio of useful energy output to the total energy input, often expressed as a percentage. – LED bulbs are more efficient than incandescent bulbs because they convert a higher percentage of electrical energy into light.
Obsolescence – The process of becoming outdated or no longer used, often due to the introduction of newer technology. – Planned obsolescence in technology can lead to increased waste and environmental impact.
Products – Items or goods that are manufactured or refined for sale. – The company introduced new products that were more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Repair – The process of fixing or restoring something that is broken or damaged. – Learning how to repair electronic devices can extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
