Once merely a cherished piece of your childhood nostalgia, Legos have evolved beyond the realm of toys into a tool that is shaping the world, one colorful brick at a time. Whether it's promoting environmental sustainability, encouraging diversity, or inspiring women in tech, the Lego Group is proving that they’re not just about plastic.
Legos and Sustainability: A Green Endeavor
The Lego Group's commitment to sustainability is no secret. To reduce their environmental footprint, the company has been investing in wind energy, aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2022. But what about the plastic in their toys? The billions of Lego bricks produced each year take a toll on the environment due to the non-biodegradable nature of conventional plastic. Thankfully, Lego has been searching for a sustainable alternative. They aim to use plant-based plastics by 2030, turning their iconic bricks into green building blocks of environmental consciousness.
Diversity in the Lego Universe: More Than Just Colors
From Star Trek's Captain Picard to X-Men's Professor Xavier, Sir Patrick Stewart has championed diversity in science fiction. Much like Stewart's characters, Lego has been paving the way for diversity within its plastic universe. The company has released sets featuring women in various professional roles, like the “Women of NASA” set, which highlights female pioneers in STEM fields. This commitment to diversity extends beyond the toy box, as Lego is working towards gender parity in their workforce.
Legos Inspiring Women in Tech
The humble Lego brick is not just a toy; it's a gateway into the world of tech. Through their Lego Mindstorms and Lego Boost sets, the company is introducing kids to the basics of coding and robotics. This is particularly significant in encouraging women in tech, a field traditionally dominated by men. Lego is proving that coding is not just for boys, and that girls can also build, code, and create.
Lego's Longreads and Big Interviews: Shaping Geek Culture
Lego is not just influencing the tech industry and the environment, but also the geek culture. Through longreads and big interviews, Lego has been bringing attention to various aspects of geek culture, from science fiction to fantasy. They have even collaborated with Google on search algorithms to create an advertising campaign that targets Lego enthusiasts.
Legos vs Antitrust: A Little Controversy
Despite the positive contributions, Lego has had its share of controversies too. In 2020, the European Commission launched an antitrust investigation into Lego and other toy companies. The controversy revolved around the alleged geo-blocking of cross-border sales, a practice that may infringe EU competition rules. Lego has since pledged to ensure full compliance with the laws.
In conclusion, while Legos are essentially just colorful plastic bricks, the impact they have on our society extends beyond the toy box. Through their commitment to sustainability, promotion of diversity, and influence on the tech industry, Lego is proving to be more than just a toy company. They're shaping the world, one brick at a time.
