Ways To Make Your Gaming Greener

Video games don’t have a great reputation when it comes to the environment. The environmental cost of hardware production alone is staggering. However, enjoying video games and being environmentally conscious aren’t mutually exclusive. Like most hobbies, there are ways to mitigate its impact on the environment through simple steps.

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While personal use or energy pales in comparison to industrial emissions, there is still a lot the average gamer can do to make a difference. With a bit of effort and information, they can make an impact on their own contributions and maybe save some money on electricity bills in the process!

1

Be Informed

First Things First, Research!

This is the most important of all and something everyone can do. Players of all kinds should know the impact they are having on the environment. From the environmental policies of the developers and publishers to the energy consumed to produce specific hardware and software, there is a wealth of information available out there.

Players don’t have to know everything, but having an idea of the impact their video game habits are having is a great start. Developers and publishers may have environmental mission statements or may offset their emissions in various ways, and it is worth supporting those that do. Games have the potential to have a real impact on the public understanding of the environment. The UN Environment Programme highlighted a few of the ways that game studios are making an impact.

2

Use Renewable Energy Sources

Gaming Powered By The Wind And Sun

One of the most effective ways to achieve greener gaming is to use renewable energy sources. People lucky enough to own a home can install solar panels, and some governments even subsidize the installation cost. It can also make a significant difference to power bills, which means more money for buying games.

It’s trickier for renters and those in other housing situations, so this may not be an easy option for everyone. However, some traditional energy companies are introducing sustainable energy options or carbon offset energy packages. Whether these are a meaningful option will be down to the individual provider and the individual looking into them.

3

Dispose Of Electronic Waste Correctly

Make Sure E-Waste Is Being Formally Recycled

The World Health Organization reported that in 2022 “an estimated 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally,” and only “22.3% was documented as formally collected and recycled.” Not all councils and regions will have easily accessible electronic waste recycling, but it’s always important to check what is available. Many councils have drop-off centers for sorting and recycling.

Electronic waste recycling is not without its issues, but proper disposal is a great way to save electronic waste from ending up in a landfill. E-waste can be incredibly dangerous for the environment, and improper disposal can put people’s health at risk.

4

Reconsider The Switch To Cloud Gaming

Now This Is A Tricky One

Cloud gaming removes the physical waste of video game distribution from the process. Not only has it changed software purchasing, but live-streaming video game services are also making games more accessible regardless of player hardware. But—and this is a BIG but—be aware that these servers do present their own issues.

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Emissions from video game servers have been cited as a serious issue in their own right, with some even saying that cloud gaming can be even worse. In a BBC article, researchers at Lancaster University claimed: “…if gamers moved to streaming over the next decade, carbon emissions could rise by 30%.” It turns out, cloud gaming may not be the most environmentally conscious solution to over-packaging.

5

Use Power-Saving Modes

Have A Look Through Those Settings

This is a really easy one for most people, regardless of what platform they are using. Setting up power-saving modes that make sense for the specific user and their needs can go a long way towards reducing energy consumption. Of course, it’s no substitute for completely powering everything off after use or manually disabling energy-hungry functions.

Not all power-saving modes are created equal, and it’s important to check if sleep modes are actually reducing a system’s draw on power. Make sure that the mode is power saving in practice, not just in name only.

6

Reuse And Refuse

Stop Buying Stuff You Don’t Need

Brand-new hardware is exciting, and it’s difficult not to get swept up in every console release and rush out to buy something new. But is upgrading always necessary? Don’t upgrade without reason, and try not to create more electronic waste than necessary.

Buying second-hand hardware is a great way to upgrade while ensuring that it is a safe and sustainable second-hand option. Buying from a licensed refurbisher can avoid some of the pitfalls of buying second-hand consoles and gaming laptops. Reusing reduces waste and the resources required to produce brand-new hardware. Also, it costs less, which is always a plus!

7

Upgrade Hardware

A Consumer Balancing Act For PC Users

Avoiding buying new hardware is great, but what about PCs that are using far more energy than they need to be? Upgrading hardware such as power supplies is a tricky prospect for a lot of people. It costs money and is a balancing act between creating more electronic waste and reducing personal energy consumption. Older hardware can be incredibly inefficient and there is a wider range of energy-efficient options available.

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But as always with these things, knowledge is the most powerful asset, and doing a little research to work out the best way forward pays off. Understanding energy efficiency ratings and looking for them on the packaging can be invaluable.

8

Repair And Take Care

Look After Your Hardware

Repair rather than replace hardware where possible. That doesn’t mean this has to be done by inexperienced users at home, or that people need to learn how to service electronic equipment just to reduce their environmental impact. If there is a local professional who can fix it, then that is a great option. Look out for warranty issues that may arise from repairs, so there aren’t any nasty surprises after cracking open that console.

Taking a bit more care with devices and avoiding unnecessary damage or wear is also very important, especially with the short expected lifespan of some modern hardware. Also, avoiding purchasing items that have a reputation for being easily broken is a great way to reduce e-waste.

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