I think a solution to planned obsolescence would be to require prominent labelling of guaranteed product lifetimes. (Including "0 Months" if they aren't willing to offer a warranty.) That way consumers can judge products based on lifetime value instead of just the immediate price.
Is it? Long lasting durable white goods are available if you purchase from the manufacturer's commercial line - they are built to higher standards as businesses purchase them based on lifetime ROI. However, few consumers buy them as the bottom line price is too high.
Just face it, people are cheap and care most about the sticker price.
Consumers don't buy based on lifetime value because that's not the choice presented to them.
Most likely the consumer store they go to doesn't even carry the commercial lines, and even if they do, the fact that they last longer isn't made obvious. There's no incentive for stores make that information readily available to consumers, because they benefit just as much from planned obsolescence as the manufacturer. When all people can see is the sticker price, is it any wonder that that's what drives their decisions?
If there were a big sticker saying that the one that costs 50% more last 10 years instead of 2, I think consumers would happily buy the more expensive one. They're cheap, but they're not stupid.
