Why do we make products that we only intend to last for a short while? Would you be willing to pay more for a product of higher quality? Most people would say yes, but when it comes down to it, they always choose the product with the 'best deal.'

What if all manufacturers promised to upgrade your product after so many years upon exchanging the already purchased product? Would you not rather take things back to the manufacturer to be repaired or replaced with
only a few parts instead of tossing the whole thing in the trash can and then going out to purchase a new one?

The umbrella is a simple product, so simple that many people own multiples. One for the car, one for the purse, one for the house, and one for the golf bag. But do we really need so many? How about just one that is so light weight and compact that it goes anywhere?

The key to only needing one umbrella is being able to count on it when it is needed, whether that is for protection from the rain or shade from the sun. A collapsible umbrella frame, made of recycled, lightweight metal, such as alluminum, that is simple to fix at home or easy to get repaired would eliminate many unnecessary umbrellas. The manufacturer would promise a higher quality frame, since that is usually the part that breaks, that opens and closes at various hinges to be easily collapsible. The hinges are simple construction that allow for easy folding of the frame. The manufacturer is mainly responsible for the frame, which is sold separate from the organic, and biodegradable, cloth covering made of regional materials that are a combination of organic plants and plastic polymers. The cloth covering, which is removed before folding and used as the bag to hold the frame, has venting to allow for wind to pass through and not turn the umbrella inside out. When time comes for a replacement, the biological nutrient, can literally be 'tossed out' and return to the biological cycle, much like a tree, whose leaves fall to the ground to nourish the earth.

The main design of this 'take back' umbrella is that there would be less demand for a 'virgin' umbrella. More demand would shift to replacement products and individuals with the necessary skills. The design upgrade would require less materials and significantly lower the amount ofwaste and discarded umbrellas that are currently so abundant.

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