There's also the fact that manufacturers want to make a profit, so it is in their interest to make products that last only "long enough" --- too short and people will complain (but gradually change this, and maybe they may not notice), too long and they'll feel like they're losing money. Washing machines, fridges, etc. are a mature technology that has relatively little room for improvement, so unlike e.g. computer hardware that changes at a much faster pace, the manufacturers have to drive consumption somewhat more aggressively. They also make them far (edit: more, not less) unserviceable than before.
I've always detested the "newer is always better" mentality that the population seems to have been conditioned into, and that the culture perpetuates; I think when the only reason you want to buy a new X is because your existing one is "old" (not unfixably broken, not slow, not missing a feature that would really improve your life), there is something seriously wrong.
I wonder how are Chinese white Goods, since the market is new, manufacturers are quite new and consumers are clearly interested in saving money and in durable goods.
Refrigerators have improved quite a bit recently, they use a lot less energy. Gp proposes disposal fees; energy companies pay modest rebates to haul away old freezers and refrigerators.
I've always detested the "newer is always better" mentality that the population seems to have been conditioned into, and that the culture perpetuates; I think when the only reason you want to buy a new X is because your existing one is "old" (not unfixably broken, not slow, not missing a feature that would really improve your life), there is something seriously wrong.