People Shared Their Most Used Things That Changed Drastically Over Time (New Pics)
Interview With ExpertIn the era of overconsumption, it’s rare to see people holding onto their belongings for an extended amount of time. For example, nowadays, an article of clothing is worn on average 7 times before being discarded. That’s not nearly enough to wear down a high-quality garment, which means we’re getting rid of perfectly fine things and contributing to pollution in the process. However, there are still some people who don’t mind the rugged appearance of their belongings and use them until they can no longer serve them, saving our planet from unnecessary waste.
In today’s list, the Bored Panda team has gathered many of these instances to remind us all that if an item is old or has lost most of its visual appeal, it doesn’t necessarily mean we have to throw it away (as long as it’s functioning perfectly fine, of course). Scroll down to find dearly loved things that got worn over time below, and don’t forget to upvote the ones that impress you the most.
While you're at it, make sure to check out a conversation with Stacy Savage, founder of Zero Waste Strategies, an environmental consulting firm, who kindly agreed to share a few tips on how we can make our belongings serve us longer.
This post may include affiliate links.
This Dog Statue Is All Worn Out Where People Touch It
Seeing that on a statue always makes me feel good. It tells me that the statue means something to people.
Seeing the pit all I can think of is “it puts the lotion in the basket!”
🤔 So that's what a shaved Bichon Frisé looks like!?!? 👧: "Precious! Here, precious! Come on, precious. Come to mama! Come on, precious! I've got a nice treat for you."
Load More Replies...It's not worn out. The people who pet/rub the statue leave some body oils on it. That prevents the brass or bronze from tarnishing
Gilly And I Were Inseparable Since I Was Born, She’s 27 Years Old And Very Well Worn
I took her out of my closet the other day to show my 5 year old son and he cried when I showed him what she used to look like.
Treasured toy and memory, but now looks like a roided up tapeworm. Certainly save it in a memory box or some such, but search out a new onr for your child. And I e cream.
Load More Replies...Our Local Barber Has Been In Business For As Long As I Can Remember. The Metal Floor Is Worn Down Where He Walks Round The Only Chair Each Day.
Stacy Savage, founder of Zero Waste Strategies, tells us that what inspired her to choose a more conscious and sustainable way of living is having firsthand experience with pollution.
"I grew up under the brown, hazy skies and rotten egg smells of southeast Texas where the oil and gas industry dominates the area’s regional economy. Both my parents and most of my extended family worked at these refinery plants, so I have firsthand experience with pollution," she shared.
The Old Floor Of A Pizza Place Reveals Itself In Front Of The Counter
Can pretty much guarantee that the whole floor, if exposed, will look pretty bad. It was probably covered because it was worn/damaged/remodeled to where it was ugly/unusable.
Load More Replies...This Is A Real Knife That Is Used By The Fish Cutter At My Current Job. He's Been Using It For 35 Years
My grandfather's favorite scallop and fish boning knife looked like this.
The Worn Path In The Middle Of This Old Wooden Boardwalk
"Seeing the tangible impacts of climate change enforces that every little action counts," she added. "Choosing a more sustainable lifestyle became less about necessity and more about wanting to be part of the solution. Plus, there's a rewarding sense of peace when you know you're contributing positively even in small ways."
Way Too Long Braille Text
This is brilliant you win the internet 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Load More Replies..."Horologion of Andronikos Known as the Horologion of Andronikos of Cyrrhus, The Tower of the Winds was built in the 1st century BC. It was designed by the astronomer Andronikos of Cyrrhus. The building served as both a timepiece and a meteorological station. It is an octagonal tower made of Pentelic marble, Circular in plan with a diameter of about 8 meters. Each of the eight sides corresponds to one of the eight principal winds. Relief sculptures on the tower depict these winds as human figures, With instruments indicating their respective directions. The interior was equipped with a water clock. During the Byzantine period and later, The tower was used as a church and subsequently, From the mid-Ottoman period until Greek independence, It served as a Tekke (monastery) for the Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order. The tower was fully uncovered in 1838-1839, When the Archaeological Society of Athens removed debris covering its lower parts."
My Cat's Toy After A Year Of Use
My dog has a monkey which has now lasted 6 months. Normally, she tears things apart within a day or two. But this monkey is made of kevlar or something.
Load More Replies...I gave my cats little mouse shaped toys, but they torn it to shreds after few weeks.
My Phone, Bought In 2015. I'm Still Using It. Not Far From Celebrating His 10th Birthday
Another 10 years, you might want to start looking for a charging cable
I had a flip phone for about 10 years. Who know how long it could have lasted if I hadn't lost it. Actually it could have been until last year when 3G was turned off.
Lol, I had a Noka brick that I kept for over 10 years. Looked a lot like this. I had bought used ones to cannibalize for parts even to just keep it going. I replaced the keyboard, the screen, and the camera at different points in its life. I really didn't want to get a smart phone
I got phone for my seventeenth birthday when I was in high school, back in 2007. It lasted 13 years. In 2020 I bought my current phone.
She's been in the sustainability industry, helping companies produce less waste for more than 20 years. So who better than her to ask for some advice on how to apply the zero waste strategies she offers to business in our own lives?
But before we dive into it, we were curious to know if she agrees that people nowadays are replacing and discarding their belongings too often.
In Machining We Use Brass Hammers So We Don't Damage Parts Made From Steel. We Get A New Hammer Every Year Or So
Yup. I have worn several down to nothing as a toolmaker. Copper, Brass, and Nickel.
I heard the Nickel one costs a few dollars now...
Load More Replies...Grandma's Garden Knife
I've never seen a garden knife, what specific gardening tasks are they used for?
Oven Brush After 20 Months In My Bakery
Yes, but probably just the trash. I assume the brush is for scraping out crumbs and such, so all the sweepings between baking were likely dumped in the trash.
Load More Replies...In the US, they've been trying to get rid of these for years. The brass bristles can penetrate intestinal walls. All night long.
"You know, we live in a world that's driven by consumerism, always encouraging us to buy the latest and greatest. But I really think it's important for us to pause and consider the impact of replacing items so frequently," she told us.
"Many belongings have a longer lifespan than we give them credit for, and by keeping them around a bit longer, we can reduce waste and make more mindful choices that are kinder to the planet."
These Cooking Spoons Are 60 Years Old And Still In Use By My Mother
My mom has cooking spoons like these. No idea how old they are, but I think they're older than me.
The Original Key On My 1996 Subaru. 313k Miles
The lock and key mechanisms wear together - if the key is like that then you could just use anything that fits in the slot to turn the lock barrel..
Load More Replies...Same Ball, 3 Years Of Play Difference
"We also need to hold corporations accountable that produce items under 'planned obsolescence,' which calls for items to be designed for breakage or systems to be outdated quickly," she noted.
Planned obsolescence is a purposeful strategy of designing products that break quickly or become no longer useful rather quickly. Businesses apply this idea to their practices to encourage sales without really thinking about the impact it has on our environment.
I Grind My Teeth So Hard At Night That I’m Wearing Through My Night Guard
My mouthguard is like this. So glad I have it and I am not doing that to my teeth.
SAME. Have you tried SOVA? They make great, affordable night guards and are lovely people! USA Wrote to offer them kudos, they send me one gratis. 👍🏼
My Cutlery Used To Be Gold-Coloured But Has Turned Iridescent Over Time
Don't buy as they don't hold up well after a few years. We have them.
Load More Replies...Funny, I bought iridescent flatware and it turned gold after the first wash.
My silver spoons have turned that color, too - from trying the "aluminum foil will make it shine as good as new" c**p...
What Could The Password Be?
To be more considerate of our planet, we should try our best not to buy into the planned obsolescence strategy that companies are selling and take better care of our things instead.
"Taking good care of what we have is simple and effective. It starts with regular maintenance, like cleaning and storing items properly. Being gentle in how we use and handle our possessions goes a long way, too. It's about respecting the things we've invested in, and doing so can greatly extend their life, which can save us money and reduce waste in the process," Savage advised.
My Boot Soles After Two Years Of Almost Daily Use In A Farm
The one on the left is a farm chick looking at a newborn chick coming from its shell!
Obviously putting more weight/drag on the right foot, so I’m assuming right handed also?
Rip After Almost 20 Years Of Daily Use
This thing has been a high school bag, college bag, gym bag, take stuff to work every day bag, and it is my personal item when I fly (has to fit under the seat).
It felt so unceremonious to just discard it, so I thought I would share it with someone folks that can appreciate it before I send it off.
Late 90s/early 2000s. We couldn't find a backpack that would last more than 2 weeks with our kids. They weren't rough or a*****e on them, it's just that none are made with any quality. Made no difference of the brand. We bought cheap ones, we bought name brand expensive one, and everything in between. Ironically the more we paid the worse the quality.
The Sleeve For My Mom's Work ID, She Said She Hadn’t Taken It Out In 10+ Years
NO offence, but I'm expecting Pennywise the Clown to come out of that image.
Well I'm expecting the slime monster to come crawling out of that thing.
Load More Replies...That's like dead skin cells, body oil, and who knows what else transferred from her thumb and index finger. Gross!
Pro tip: Before putting your ID badge in one of these sleeves, cover the picture side with box tape. It will prevent this from happening. (source: personal experience)
And sometimes, all a dearly loved item needs is a little bit of mending - not us hurrying to throw it into a landfill. Learning some basic repair or repurposing skills can greatly prolong the life of our belongings.
"It's amazing what a needle and thread can accomplish. I love repurposing items as well—an old ladder can become a stylish bookshelf, for example, or an old tire can be stuffed with fiber filling and upholstered to make a dog bed," Savage suggested.
My Broom Is Getting A Bit Short
The funny thing is, it's still usable as a broom, just a bit less comfortable for "long distances", because of the probability of it causing back pain. And not because you can't travel with it farther in one go... Albeit it would be an interesting property in a movie or story.
My Old Trowel I Use For Stonework And A New One
Thought You Folks Might Appreciate The Wear On My Father-In-Law's Key Chain After Years Of Bumping Into The Dashboard
"The key is to see potential in the old. Sometimes, just a fresh coat of paint or a new use for an old object can breathe new life into it. And remember, it's okay to ask for help or turn to online communities for creative ideas. I would recommend searching your local area for a “Fix-it Clinic” where tinkerers in the community gather, usually at a library, to mend broken items, such as jewelry and small electronics. There's a sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from creating something new from something old!" Savage said as a farewell.
Exact Same Model
Sorry but that's not the EXACT same model, unless the nails can move on their own.
My Old 54 Mm Skateboard Wheels Next To My New 54 Mm Skateboard Wheels
I knew a guy who bought 100s of pairs of rental roller skates that the local rink was getting rid of. He thought polyurethane wheels were a fad that people would tire of once they saw how the steel wheels last longer. It was 1983.
I can't wait to see how worn down my cruiser board's wheels get after years of weekendly 7km outings.
10 Years Of Accidentally Dropping Keys
Replaced The Cats’ Scratching Post
They more than likely love the box it came in too. lol
Load More Replies...7 Year Old Ice Scoop vs. Brand New
The Amount Of Wear On This Disney World Hook
I'd be pointing that out to staff. Disney doesn't need more fatalities.
I think that might just be the front of line chain.
Load More Replies...A hook at an amusement park named Disney World…
Load More Replies...Finally Replaced My Water Pressure Gauge
Gate Wheel Carved Into Pier
I've Worn These Shoes For 4 Months
You really should see a physical therapist, or a physiatrist, a chiropractor, or an orthopedic doctor. This problem will cause others as you get older that are much harder to fix than correcting your gait right now.
Aiii, this hurts. This is not normal for just 4 months of wear. I easily walk 8 miles a day and wear my good boots from 3 years ago with no difference in height on the sides. Please see a physio so you can sort this out before it causes you lasting damage!
depends on the wearers weight too, as a big guy i wear down shoes way faster... but in this case its multiple issues, bad walk that gets worsened
Load More Replies...They look like good leather shoes. At least get metal heel tips put on before you start using them?
The Area Of This Door Is Well Worn By People Unlocking It
So A Few Weeks Ago I Posted About My Skate Shop’s Screwdriver That Was Used For Grip Tape On A Skateboard. Well After 7 Years Of Use, It Finally Broke Yesterday!
Never Mute
I bought dad a new sound bar with an extra remote and within 2 years both remotes mute buttons are worn down to practically nothing... yea sineone hates commercials
Load More Replies...Ours often has mute, but we never touch the blue button!! Never! Don't want that in my home.
Optometrist's Floor After Years Of Chair Rolling
It actually doesn't take too long to start seeing damage. If you regularly sit in a roller style office chair in your home, get one of those plastic floor mats meant to go under desks.
Natural wear and tear is attractive and easily repairable. However plastic is ugly, uncomfortable to use and does not degrade making it harmful to nature.
Load More Replies...Finally Figured Out What My Comfort Object Used To Look Like
Slept with this stuffed bunny pretty much every day of my life (I’m almost 30), he was a gift to my mom from a friend back in the 80s. I never knew what he looked like originally. Finally found a listing on eBay that shows his original state.
OP states that he has been heavily repaired over the years, the eyes have been replaced.
Load More Replies...This Old Photograph Seems To Have Peeled Entirely Away Only Where The Fish Are
Scrub Daddy
The Amount Of Wear Level Difference Between New And Old Brake Pads
My Photochromic Lenses Developed Hexagon Shaped Holes After 10 Years Of Daily Use
Just a guess, maybe they lay their glasses lens down when not wearing them and the coating has worn away?
Load More Replies...How does anyone get 10 years of use out of a pair of glasses? Mine have so many scratches after just one year I have to replace them or suffer major headaches.
You gotta change your habits is my guess. Probably how you store and/or clean them. No proper glasses should last only a year...
Load More Replies...I'm So Grateful I Bought Into The Docs For Life Scheme. Worn For Two Years Every Day, Soles Worn Down Flat, Identical Replacement Pair Arrived Today
Only 2 years? Have docs really gotten that bad? I’ve had mine for over a 30yrs. Had the heal fixed from wear and tear but still good. These boots have seen things.
Docs split with the old british company who used to make them and moved yo asia, the quality is s**t now and they dont last
Load More Replies...If you want them to last longer buy 2 identical pair and alternate. You will get more than 2x the total wear out of them. Shoes need to air out between wearings.
I Gave My Dad This Batman Wallet 10 Years Ago, I Was Like 4 Or 5 Years Old And I Got It In Preschool. He Uses It To This Day
My son gave me a painted brick (even 'papa' painted on it) when he was in kindergarten, for father's day. 20+ years onward, still on my desk being used as the penholder it was intended for.
Brand New Teeth For Excavator Bucket (Also Old Worn Tooth For Comparison)
The Way The Surface Of The Board Is Worn On Top Of The Footsteps At Local Playground
My Debit Card That I Used Until It Expired
rubbing against other cards in a wallet.
Load More Replies...My Old Hat Hat And My New Hat Hat Hat
This Map At A Pediatrician’s Office Near DC Is Worn Down From Parents/Kids Pointing At Where They Live
My Father's Rosin After 10 Years Of Playing Cello
Very different to ballet dancer rosin! (A big box of powder for your pointe shoes.)
This Convenience Store Wear Path
This Honolulu Stop Sign Bleached By The Sun
My Coworker At The Library Noticed This While Checking In Books
My 20 Year Old Toy Phone And My Daughters Brand New One! Both Fisher Price
My Friend Has Worn The Same Shoes All The Time Since I Met Him In High School. I Saw These When I Went To His House For A Fourth Of July Party Last Night
This Penny That Was Stuck In A Washing Machine
Gaussian Distribution Of Usage Marks At My Local Gym
Identical Shoes - One Year Of Wear vs. New
It wouldn't take a whole lot of work to get them to match. That's the wonderful thing about leather.
Old Dog Brush vs. A New One
These things are awesome. My dog sheds his winter coat profusely. These really help keep the dog hair tumble weeds in the house to a minimum.
They are! They do the job well and they never hurt
Load More Replies...ATM In China Shows The Fear Of 4
All my dogs had 4 legs. and they all died. Maybe it's true.
Load More Replies...Maple Fretboard Finish Worn Down
Yes, I know I’m a bad person for lettting things get this far. Love this guitar and have had it for decades (late eighties MIJ Strat).
Would this worn finish require a refret (I’m assuming the frets would be removed, the whole fretboard sanded down and refinished and then refretted and might as well do new nut)?
My Best Friend’s Well-Loved, No-Name, No-Pigment, Walmart-Special Pallet, 5 Years Later
15 Years Of Faces
Replaced My Mom’s Gardening Gloves For Mother’s Day This Year
The Path My Elderly Neighbor Has Made To The Smoking Area Over Time. She Is The Only One In Our Apartment Complex Who Smokes
This Tree Is Worn From People Sitting On It
My Grandmother’s Cast Iron Skillet Is About 60 Years Old. She’s Used It So Much The Bottom Is Smooth
All skillet bottoms are smooth from new; never seen one that wasn't. 🤔
This is cast iron. It is usually the same texture as you can see on the handle.
Load More Replies...Bottle Cap Wall Art At A Dive Bar Rusting Away From From The Water Spray Of A Hand Dryer
My Cat’s Collar After One Year Of Use
Make sure you have the one that snaps open if they get stuck! (I think this one is like that)
The Way Diatomaceous Earth Has Worn Away This Stainless Steel Chute
This is a 10 ga stainless steel (0.135" thick) chute in a food processing plant. Diatomaceous earth is run through this chute, which has made these very unusual wear patterns. When you take a cutting wheel, grinding disc, sanding pad, etc to a piece of stainless, you never get these weird ridges and shapes. I'm actually still confused about how it seems to wear layers, as I didn't think there were layers in stainless. It's not a laminated material.
Also, diatomaceous earth extremely fine. It acts as an abrasive, but it's about as fine as corn starch, so it's impressive how much of the metal has worn away.
I’ve Made A Lot Of Mistakes In My Life
Worn Out Marks On The Floor Show The Rule Of Thumb For Using A Urinal
Wallpaper In A Restaurant, Worn From People Leaning Against The Wall
that's not wear...that is grease and filth from people leaning against the wallpaper...yuck!
I Absolutely Love Old Bars Of Europe. It Just Hits Different
The Difference 8 Years Of Daily Use Makes
I Might Keep My Yellow Worn Out Pillow For The Rest Of My Life
Or you can, you know, wash the pillow. Maybe then women will come and stay.
I replaced my boyfriends old lumpy pillow (he knew beforehand),didn't want a new one, but does now love his new fluffy pillow. At some point a pillow (blanket,mattress etc) needs replacement.
Load More Replies...Olu Kai. I Have Worn These Every Day, For Hours, For 6+ Years. Walk, Ride Boards, Worked, Beach Use. Like Really Hard Use And The Only Thing Worn Out Is The Neoprene
Reef flip flops are the same. They'll last for 6+ years but they don't look worn like these do.
My Friend’s Favourite Jeans Back Pocket, Where She Always Keeps Her Phone
Where I live this is still very common, all my bf's jeans have them
Load More Replies...Reminder to NOT carry your phone in your back pocket when you are anywhere there is pickpocketing.
12 Year Old iPod Compared To A Fully Restored One
The Asphalt At The Bus Stop Has Slowly Been Pushed Into Grooves, Over The Many Years Of Use
Worn Through Enamel Of A Public Toilet
So little time? Sorry, that's just what popped up.
Load More Replies...After Several Years Of Faithful Service, It's Time To Retire My LEGO Robot Keychain
Surface Pro Type Cover After 2 Years Of Daily Use. Still Works
Is There Any Way I Can Figure Out The Date On This Worn Coin?
This is one of two coins my GFs granddad had carried around for years. The other one he wore paper thin but this one we can still make out some details on the front and back but I can’t make out any dates. Is there anything I can do to bring out any resemblance of a date?
Shirt I Sleep In Since I Was 15
Nah, its still got a good 2 or 3 years left in it before it becomes more hole than shirt.
Load More Replies...
