Buzz
When comparing the Nintendo Wii to the PlayStation 3, the Wii proves to be far more energy-efficient. AP Photo/Itsuo InouyeAlmost everything is adopting an eco-friendly approach these days—from vehicles and homes to workplaces. Naturally, the video game industry is also seeking ways to lessen its environmental impact. This change is long overdue, as highlighted by a report from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). It reveals that video game consoles consume a staggering 16 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, roughly equal to the total power consumption of San Diego. The Sony PlayStation 3 was one of the largest culprits, using an average of 150 watts when in use, while the Nintendo Wii only needs about 16 watts during gameplay.
Video game packaging is another major environmental concern. In 2007, a staggering 101 million video games were sold in plastic cases, and the energy required to produce these cases contributed to greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from over 9,000 cars.
According to the NRDC, if we simply turned off our gaming consoles when not in use, we could save 11 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, reduce energy costs by $1 billion, and cut down on carbon emissions by 7 million tons (more than 6 million metric tons) annually.
Several retailers are beginning to explore environmentally-friendly gaming strategies. In 2008, Wal-Mart hosted a Green Gaming Summit, bringing together representatives from major video game manufacturers like Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony, along with the National Resources Defense Council. Manufacturers are investigating eco-conscious options such as utilizing cardboard packaging and introducing low-power modes for consoles when they're idle.
Hewlett-Packard plans to release gaming PCs that are smaller and more energy-efficient than their predecessors. The HP Firebird will operate on just 350 watts of power—only one-fifth of what larger gaming computers require. A company executive compared these new PCs to turning gas-guzzling SUVs into hybrids [source: PCWorld].
Green Games and How to Green Up Your Gaming
Your Xbox 360 continues to consume power even when it's not in use. AP Photo/John SmockGreen gaming goes beyond conserving energy; its goal is also to minimize waste and raise awareness about pressing environmental challenges such as recycling and global warming.
Think saving the planet can't be fun? Several video game companies have designed virtual worlds that mix adventure and action with valuable ecological lessons. In the classic computer game 'Awesome Possum,' players journey through four distinct worlds—Rain Forest, Arctic Circle, Sea Caverns, and Dr. Machino's Domain—to defeat an evil mega-polluter. Other games, like 'SimCity Societies,' let players explore sustainable energy sources to develop a green city. NoteNiks offers multiple games that teach kids about recycling, composting, and environmental respect. In Nintendo's 'Chibi-Robo: Park Patrol,' children guide a robot that waters flowers, picks up litter, and transforms a polluted wasteland into a beautiful park.
Some games don't just promote sustainability—they practice it. 'Venture Arctic,' which asks players to balance human and ecological interests in the Arctic, is packaged in 'Go Green Packaging,' made entirely from recycled materials—no plastic involved. One game even helps feed the hungry: every time you answer a vocabulary question correctly on FreeRice.com, the site donates 20 grains of rice to the United Nations World Food Programme.
Even if you'd prefer to play 'Grand Theft Auto' over a green-themed game, you can still help the environment through gaming. The National Resources Defense Council reports that about half of all gamers leave their consoles plugged in when not in use. These 'vampire' electronics continue drawing electricity from the socket even when switched off. Eventually, video game consoles may include automatic power-down functions (like the sleep mode on your computer), but in the meantime, unplug your Xbox or Wii, or turn off the power strip after playing. Don't forget to unplug your Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable chargers when not in use. Computers already have a sleep mode, so remember to use it.
Video game controllers also require constant power. Instead of discarding batteries every few weeks, opt for rechargeable batteries rated 2000 mAh or higher for your Xbox 360 and Wii controllers.
If you have the budget, consider upgrading your computer system. Switch to an '80 Plus' power supply to minimize energy usage. Replace your old, lead-laden CRT monitor with an LCD screen, which uses just a third of the energy and is free of lead. New hard drives, motherboards, and fans are also made without lead.
Once you're done playing the latest Mario adventure, don't toss it in the trash where it will end up in a landfill. Most video game retailers offer credit for your old games, which you can use to buy new releases. You can even recycle vintage game cartridges like Atari and Sega through organizations such as Earth911.com. Even better, skip buying new games—download them directly from the internet. GameFly.com, Xbox 360's Live Marketplace, and Sony's PlayStation Network provide hundreds of downloadable games, many of which are cheaper than their packaged versions. You can also rent games through GameFly.com or Blockbuster. When you're finished with a game, simply return it and pick up a new one. And when you're done with your computer or console, don't forget to recycle those, too.
