Are Double-Duty Products Really Sustainable?

Companies and retailers like to argue that if a product can do multiple things for you, say broadcast your morning news AND make your toast, as seen above, it MUST be a more sustainable option, as you only need to buy one product instead of two. I wonder, though, how far this thinking goes, as all too often, you end up with a sub-par toaster with a radio component you never use, and end up buying a separate radio, and likely another toaster, as well. Or alternatively, the multi-function or transforming products sell based on "shazaaam" only, using gimicky marketing to convince you that you absolutely need that double-duty toaster, ultimately to get home and realize that it really belongs in your attic with the other retired appliances. Don't get me wrong, there are days when I, too, could likely be talked into the toaster-radio, but ultimately, I think it's all just a ploy to keep us consuming. I suppose this is more of a provocation than informational post, then. Just something to think about the next time that guy at the mall kiosk says, "I think you look like you're in need of a toilet cover that also turns magazine pages." And in case you really are interested in the radio toaster, it can be found here.