Can't confirm that figure you quoted LRT but the point is well made. The energy used to create an object is often forgotten when quoting 'energy savings advantages' to punters and that throwing out an object before it is 'beyond its useful life' is a waste of that embodied energy.
Yes prd, I don't know either. It proves the point though!
It seems to be a keeping up with the Jonses thing. Why you need aerodynamic cowling that needs "improving" every few years and then the whole mower has to be replaced as it now looks dated. Same with today's cars.
If we ever have a war and all the supplies from overseas get cut off we will be in trouble as most engineering and automotive mechanics don't know how to repair anymore as the shop labour rate makes it uneconomical to do so. According to a newsletter from Riordan fuels a couple of months ago, Australia only has 13 days of diesel in storage! That means now trains, trucks etc.
Anyhow I've gone a long way off topic!