is there a problem with waste/consumption in the US?

[BoomerD]

One of the big problems I see, is that we are a "disposable society". It used to be, that if something broke, you fixed/repaired it. Nowdays, we just replace it. TV repair shops are becoming a dying breed, small appliances are cheaper to replace than to repair, shoe shops are becoming harder and harder to find...even automobiles are becoming disposable...look at the cheap "mini-cars" that have come out in recent years...Geo Metro, Yaris, Fit, etc...small, inexpensive to own and drive...you simply drive it till it breaks, then buy a new one...