Ever notice how many of us have a fascination for “vintage,” but a dislike for things “dated?”

Yesterday, I was picking up something off the floor of my 1960s farm-house and felt a warm twinge as I admired the faithful, dated, cork-colored tile—a selection which my wife and I were thrilled to find and install in our home at the time we built.

The flooring is still in top-notch shape and even more beautiful to me for its record of service. Yet, it would be labeled totally unacceptable by modern decorating standards. Same is true for my sturdy, well-functioning, tailor-made birch cupboards. A prize when they were made, now likely relegated to log cabin category.

Many of our light fixtures were out of date a few short years after we installed them, but still yield perfect light. Our bathrooms function fine, but the style of faucets and commodes would not likely be found in model homes staged to sell. We have wallpaper and paneling on the walls in some of our living areas. Most people consider these coverings super old-fashioned, but they are charming to me.

Things all around us contribute to our living, and have earned a right to be worn out before being discarded or traded in for the new. What a disgrace to take the remaining life out of anything that still functions adequately.

“These old drapes just have to go!” Why? They were beautiful when we put them up, they have done their job shielding from the sun and providing privacy. Can we show a little more economic sense than to replace things just because they are out of style or even a bit faded?

Sure, there are some safety, convenience, comfort and economic factors to consider where flinging is more practical than fixing—but let’s not wastefully replace the bathroom vanity—just because of personal vanity.

I love stories where a smart guy purchases someone’s used car, for one-fourth the price of the original, and then puts another 200,000 miles on it! Same principle holds true for our wardrobes.

Growing up, we expected patches on our overalls so they’d last a little longer. Each patch was like a badge of honor, not a disgrace. Ironically, today’s strongest fashion statement calls for jeans with purposefully inflicted holes in the knees and thighs. But when that fad has passed, will placing patches over the peek-a-boo areas be in vogue? Doubt it. The multi-trillion dollar apparel industry knows that we only wear a clothing item an average of 7-8 times before we discard it—so they go to town creating recognizable fads to ensure continuing sales.

A recent article in Fortune magazine explains that we average nearly 14 clothing items produced each year for every person on earth. That adds up to 100+ billion items! Sadly, only 15% of all textile waste is recycled.

There are platoons of people who would delight in having my worn suits, shoes or even sweat pants—so why are they not still good enough for me? And when I do replace clothing items, am I committed to recycle them at one of the many thrift centers in our neighborhood?

It’s too bad that respect for aged things does not extend to people as well. Well-worn does not necessarily mean worn out. It shouldn’t be a negative; rather, a measure of service.

Don Aslett of McCammon is the founder of The Museum of Clean, 711 S. 2nd Ave., Pocatello, and still enjoys giving tours to all visitors. Check out the museum’s website at www.museumofclean.com.