I like that philosophy but there are only so many things that the average consume can print at home. Once you've made your iPhone case, a pencil holder, a few tree ornaments, there comes a point that the 3d printer is not used for long periods. Any item or object that has parts, springs, batteries, etc., will always be beyond grandma's ability to make on her own. Unfortunately, I don't think, as noble as it sounds, that shipping, storage and delivery will ever feel even the slightest dent from 3d printers on the market.

What most people don't realize is that 3d printing is just another manufacturing tool for the tool box. It won't replace most manufacturing as it currently exists. It will replace manufacturing in areas where it excels or enables things that can't be printed in any other way. But it will never eliminate the need for us to go to Walmart.