A video.. just for fun!
In an effort to entice the children’s market, Kellogg has featured a “Spidey-Signal” wristwatch-shaped toy in their cereals. This promotional product, however, contains a mercury-powered battery. Mercury is not only a health concern, but also an environmental hazard. Children like placing objects into their mouths and consumptions of mercury could cause human neurological damage. Furthermore, batteries disposed improperly could release mercury when it gets incinerated or reaches a landfill. This could harm animals, people, and the environment. After some awareness has been raised, Kellogg has announced that it’ll no longer use mercury batteries in promotional products.
Kellogg has only focused on the short-term results and neglected the long-term effects. This is similar to the notion of legacy costs. In short term, Kellogg has earned profits from its sales. This is the economic decision (profits) settled at the time. However, environmental concerns and health hazards will be addressed later when the mercury batteries are mismanaged and children unintentionally consume the toy. This is the liability (environmental and health responsibility) for the future. Kellogg should’ve thoroughly examined the effects rather than focus on income. Nonetheless, Kellogg is turning away from their bad ethics as they will not use mercury batteries in future promotional items.
Sources:
CBC: Kellogg’s to drop mercury-battery toys after Spider-Man promotion
Vimeo: Kelloggs “Spidey Signal”