Bricks are one of the most important and widely used building materials around the world, especially in developing countries like India. However, their production and environmental effects remain major challenges. Traditional brick manufacturing in India uses energy-intensive methods and fossil fuels, leading to high emissions of CO2, SOx, and particulate matter. This study combines insights from 50 recent research articles on four main topics: types of bricks in India, plastic bricks, brick materials and components, and emissions-related impacts and solutions. Recently, new approaches like zigzag and vertical shaft brick kilns (VSBK) have shown significant reductions in emissions and fuel use. The alternative materials like industrial by-products, agricultural waste show the potential alternative for the production of bricks. These materials improve thermal insulation and lower energy use, supporting circular economy practices. Apart the unfired and geopolymer bricks can greatly reduce carbon footprints compared to traditional fired clay bricks. At the same time, researchers have looked into alternative bricks made from recycled plastic waste. These bricks not only help reduce plastic pollution but also show good structural strength. Overall, combining sustainable materials, better kiln technology, and emissions monitoring offers a chance for the brick industry to meet environmental goals. This review highlights the urgent need for policy support, cooperation among stakeholders, and ongoing innovation to make brick production more sustainable and resource-efficient.