[mattlondon]

Have you seen toys? The vast majority are plastic (although some good wooden ones are available), and of those most probably won't last more than a year or two (both in terms of physically surviving, but also in the child's interest).

Lego however is a long-term toy that generally does not break, retains interest form kids for years, and is very frequently passed around between friends and family. One set might last years and years and years and go through multiple families and eBay auctions and Craigslist giveaways etc. Lego themselves even run a recycling program.

Sure don't buy kids cheap plastic tat that only lasts an afternoon or two, but investing in quality educational toys is worthwhile IMHO, both in terms environmental impact and educational benefits.