Words by Smiley Team
Saving the world isn’t child’s play, but toy production company Lego is doing its best to help.
Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, and based on the iconic Lego brick, the company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of play materials, who are now trying to support a more sustainable society.
“In 2020, we announced plans to invest up to $400 million over three years, to accelerate sustainability efforts," a spokesperson tells Smiley News.
"This investment is being used to support our development of more sustainable materials and packaging, achieve zero waste and carbon neutral operations, circularity and inspiring children to learn about sustainability through play. We have set a toy industry-first science-based target which commits us to cutting carbon emissions in line with the Paris Agreement’s most ambitious 1.5°C trajectory.”
The company is part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF) network, and is working towards building a more circular economy to protect the world’s natural resources. Specifically, it’s Replay programme is inspiring Lego brick owners to pass on any bricks they aren’t using, to keep them in circulation.
(Read more about how Lego is saving coral reefs)
“Lego Replay is a simple way to donate preloved Lego bricks to children’s non-profit organisations," explains the spokesperson. "The programme is currently only available in the US and Canada, but we hope to introduce it to other countries in the future.
“By encouraging the donation and reuse of Lego bricks through the Replay program, we are extending the creative life of each brick, helping to reduce our environmental footprint, and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.”
The company is also working hard to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions. It invests in offshore wind in Germany and the UK, with energy output from investments in renewables exceeding the energy used in their factories, offices and stores.
Since 2014, Lego has been a part of the Climate Savers Programme, a WWF global platform that engages business and industry on climate and energy.
(Read more about how Lego is developing its first recycled brick)
Following COP26, the company has launched 10 ‘Building Instructions for a Better World‘, informing leaders what young people think should happen if we’re to tackle the climate crisis and create a more sustainable future.
The 10 instructions are to: reduce pollution and waste, protect nature, change laws, stop ignoring the problem, do more, educate people, reduce emissions, cooperate internationally, leaders - change your own behaviour, invest in the environment and help people and future generations.
Learn more about Lego’s sustainability work and what it's doing to give back.
