GUATTARI'S THREE ECOLOGIES

RETHINKING CONSUMERISM AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS GENERATED BY PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE

Abstract

This article was based on Guatarrian ecosophical assumptions as a starting point, to develop a critical analysis of planned obsolescence and rampant
consumerism, highlighting the environmental and social impacts of these phenomena. The methodology applied was a qualitative analysis of the text
The Three Ecologies by Félix Guattari to conjecture dialectical and reflective questions about programmed and perceptual obsolescence and its social impacts.
In the first section, marketing strategies and psychological manipulation promoted by planned and perceived obsolescence that encouraged the North
American population to excessive consumerism were discussed. The analysis included Rossini and Naspolini's perspective on the “obsolescence of
desirability,” where well-maintained products are replaced by new models due to design appeal and small functional improvements. In the second section,
Guattari's systemic view of the environment was addressed, which integrates environmental, social and mental ecologies. He proposes a radical change in
consumption practices and forms of subjectivation to face the ecological crisis. Ecosophy highlights the need to reduce consumption, recover the
environment and modify human subjectivity to mitigate environmental damage. The writer criticizes the capitalist model that perpetuates a throwaway
culture and emphasizes the importance of social justice and equity as part of any sustainable solution. The article concludes that it is essential to adopt
a new consumer ethic and implement practices such as reverse logistics and circular economies to promote sustainability and address climate change.