3D printing, throw away culture and home manufacturing

Could 3D printing end our throwaway culture (by allowing replacement parts to be made by the user even if the producer doesn't provide them)?

Beyond that, what does it mean for the future of manufacturing, given that the possibili ty of goods being "printed" at home? Could there be (distant) future where for simple goods you could buy & download the design and print off at home? And even perhaps using recycled old products of one's own?

Endless possibilities, and aleady impressive realities, as discussed in this article:

http://gu.com/p/33da8