Some people worry about climate change, nuclear war, pandemic or asteroid strike. I worry that all the crap in someone’s loft will collapse and the ensuing chain reaction will bury most of us under rubbish that will instantly turn our world into the Earth of Wall-E.

What’s the answer? Don’t buy crap.

First – don’t buy stuff you don’t need. Second – try not to buy stuff that is crap because you’re going to have to throw it away because it’s broken or worn out. And yes, I am keenly aware of the Sam Vimes theory of socioeconomic unfairness (the Boots Theory). Poor people tend to buy cheap and subpar products that need frequent replacing and cost more in the long run than more expensive items. If you can, save up for the expensive stuff that will save you money – by the time you’ve saved up you might have realised you can do without it.