PROS:
1. Durability: Lego bricks can withstand wear and tear.
2. Consistent Quality: Consistency in design and manufacturing process. 3. Versatility: Unlimited design possibilities.
4. Inter-generational Appeal: Enduring popularity among different age groups.
5. Reduces Waste: Lego actually encourages reusability and has an extensive lifetime.
6. Safer Materials: Plastic used by Lego is non-toxic and safe for use by children.
CONS:
1. Environmental Damage: Non-biodegradable plastic contributes to environmental pollution.
2. Fossil Fuel Dependency: Lego’s reliance on oil-based plastic increases fossil fuel extraction.
3. Limited Recyclability: Considering the complexity of recycling Lego’s ABS plastic.
4. Over-production: Billions of bricks produced each year leading to potential waste.
5. Missed Opportunity: Abandoning the development of oil-free plastic alternatives.
6. Ecological Footprint: Significant amount of energy required in the manufacturing process of plastic Legos.
context: https://www.wired.com/story/lego-haunted-by-its-own-plastic/
Lego, the popular toy brand, recently canceled its plans for an environmentally friendly plastic alternative. However, it continues to produce massive quantities of non-biodegradable bricks each year. This raises the question: Can Lego ever truly achieve sustainability?
