B1 — Intermediate
Lego has ended its ambitious plan to replace the oil-based plastic in its bricks after finding out that recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) would only result to higher carbon emissions than the current material.
Even though they have not found a suitable alternative, Lego says it is still committed to sustainability and plans to make its toys from eco-friendly materials by 2032.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about Lego ending its project to use RPET in replacing oil-based plastics in their bricks.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/oil-free-lego-bricks-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “high-profile” mean? ”Danish toymaker Lego has abandoned a high-profile project to replace oil-based plastics in its bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “retain” mean? ”The main challenge was finding a material that was both environmentally friendly and retained the same color, shine, and sound as the oil-based plastic bricks.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “embark” mean? ”The company embarked on this journey in 2020 to replace its plastic bricks with sustainable options.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think it was the right decision to stop the project? Why or why not?
- Which is more important: product quality or protecting the environment? Why?
- Do you think companies like Lego should keep trying to make their products more environmentally friendly? Why or why not?
- Why is it sometimes difficult for companies to become more environmentally friendly?
- Would people still buy Lego if the bricks looked or felt a little different, but were better for the environment? Why?