Introduction
This article explores how to make your board game collection more eco-friendly, offering practical tips that can help you reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying your favorite games.
As overall awareness of environmental issues grows, many of us try to extend eco-friendliness into the things we love and seek ways to make our hobbies more sustainable. Board gaming is no exception. From the materials used in production to the disposal of old games, the environmental impact of board gaming is often overlooked.
The Environmental Impact of Board Games
The Production Process
Board games are typically made from a mix of cardboard, plastic, and paper, with additional components such as metal tokens or wooden pieces.
Although the board gaming industry is just a small fraction of human economic activity, the production of these materials still has an environmental impact. For instance, the cardboard and paper used in game boards and cards often come from non-sustainable sources, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction. Moreover, the inks used in printing these materials can contain harmful chemicals that are not environmentally friendly.
Plastic is another major component of many board games, particularly in miniatures, tokens, and packaging. The production of plastic is energy-intensive, relying on fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, plastic is non-biodegradable, meaning it persists in the environment for hundreds of years if not properly recycled.
The Life Cycle of a Board Game
A board game’s life cycle typically begins with production and ends with disposal, with each stage having its environmental costs. During manufacturing, energy is consumed, and waste is generated. Packaging, often excessive, adds to the waste stream, with plastic wrap, cardboard inserts, and other materials frequently ending up in landfills.
Once a board game has served its purpose—whether worn out, outdated, or no longer played—it is often discarded. It might take years or even decades, but eventually, even your now top-prized board games will end as waste.
Unfortunately, many materials used in board games (particularly plastics) are not recyclable, leading to further environmental harm. Even when recycled, the process can be inefficient and resource-intensive, making it clear that prevention is better than cure when it comes to waste.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Games
Researching Sustainable Publishers
One of the most effective ways to build an eco-friendly board game collection is by supporting publishers committed to sustainability. For example, a game such as Canopy is made of FSC-certified paper and uses no plastic – not even shrink-wrap.
Therefore, when researching for board games, look for publishers that actively promote their sustainability efforts. Check if they use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood or paper, which ensures that the materials come from responsibly managed forests. Some companies also provide transparency about their supply chains, ensuring that their games are not only eco-friendly but also ethically produced.
Smart Purchasing Habits
One of the simplest ways to reduce the environmental impact of your board game collection is to be mindful of your purchasing habits. Focus on quality over quantity by choosing games with high replayability, ensuring that each game you buy will be played multiple times rather than gathering dust on a shelf. Consider the versatility of a game, too—those with multiple play styles or expansion possibilities can offer more value over time.
Buying second-hand is another excellent way to reduce your environmental footprint. Pre-owned games come without the environmental cost of new production, and often, they are in excellent condition. Platforms like BoardGameGeek, local thrift stores, or online marketplaces can be great places to find used games.
Avoiding the “cult of the new” is a great way to accomplish all of the above goals. You don’t need to buy every new big release or back another over-hyped Kickstarter. In reality, only a handful of new releases will be worth even talking about in years.
On the other hand, there are numerous older, proven titles. Titles that have been tested by the masses and are guaranteed a great game. Spotting the second-hand market for the classics is one of my favorite passions of the hobby.
Or if you want to take it to the extreme – do you really need that many games? Perhaps you should seriously cut down on expanding your collection. Or you might even consider culling it, leaving only the creme de la creme. It’s a very satisfying process. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a burden off your shoulders with every game you give away or sell.
How To Price Used Board Games?
Caring for Your Games
All right, but what about the games you already have and want to keep? Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your board games, reducing the need for replacements. Store your games in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from humidity or heat.
Use card sleeves to protect frequently handled cards from wear and tear (but don’t use sleeves for every game!), and consider repairing (super glue can do wonders) rather than replacing damaged components.
If you find that you no longer play certain games, consider trading or selling them instead of letting them collect dust or even throwing them away. Many gaming communities have forums or groups dedicated to trading, allowing you to give your games a second life with someone who will appreciate them. This not only reduces waste but also fosters a sense of community among gamers. As I already mentioned, reducing your collection is a wonderfully cathartic feeling!
Eco-Friendly Gaming Practices
Reducing Packaging Waste
Packaging is a significant source of waste in board games. Many games come with plastic wrap, cardboard inserts, and other materials that are often discarded immediately after purchase. We already mentioned that you should consider purchasing games with minimal or recyclable packaging. Some publishers have started offering games with eco-friendly packaging options, such as Stonemeier, which has biodegradable plastic in some of their titles (i.e. Wingspan: Asia).
An additional way to reduce packaging waste is to repurpose or recycle the materials. For example, cardboard inserts can be used for organizing other games (hone your DIY skills!), and spare plastic bags can be reused for storing game components or other stuff. If you eventually do need to dispose of packaging, ensure it is properly recycled to minimize its environmental impact.
Sustainable Game Night Tips
Hosting an eco-friendly game night can be a fun and impactful way to share your commitment to sustainability with friends and family. Start by reducing or eliminating single-use products like paper plates, plastic cups, and disposable cutlery. Instead, opt for reusable items that can be washed and used again.
Consider offering snacks and drinks in sustainable packaging, or better yet, make your own to avoid packaging waste altogether. Encourage carpooling or the use of public transportation for your guests to reduce the carbon footprint of your event.
Another aspect of gaming with board game friends is that you don’t need to own every game you play – if we often play Gaia Project and Jeff always brings his copy, do I need my own? Even if I want to play it solo from time to time, I’m sure Jeff won’t mind lending me the game.
Not only do you save on not having to buy every game you want to play, but you can buy something else, increasing the total pool of games your group owns, which allows you to try more of them.
The Future of Eco-Friendly Board Gaming
Innovations in Sustainable Gaming
The board gaming industry is slowly but surely moving towards more sustainable practices, thanks in part to consumer demand. Innovations such as biodegradable plastics, digital alternatives, and more efficient recycling processes are paving the way for a greener future in gaming.
Some companies are experimenting with entirely new materials, such as bioplastics made from renewable resources like corn or sugarcane. These materials offer the durability of traditional plastics without the environmental drawbacks. Additionally, more publishers are beginning to prioritize eco-friendly practices in their production processes, from sourcing materials to minimizing waste in manufacturing.
How You Can Make a Difference
As consumers, we have the combined power to drive change in the industry. By supporting eco-friendly publishers and being mindful of our purchasing and gaming habits, we can help push the industry towards more sustainable practices. Let’s share our efforts with our gaming community (playgroups, Facebook groups, online forums), encouraging others to make eco-friendly choices as well.
Additionally, we can advocate for sustainability by reaching out to publishers and asking about their environmental practices. One voice won’t sound much, but many can make some noise!
Conclusion
Making your board game collection more eco-friendly is not only possible, but it can also enhance your enjoyment of the hobby. By choosing sustainable games, minimizing waste, and adopting eco-friendly gaming practices, you can reduce your environmental impact while still indulging in your favorite pastime. Every small step counts, and together, we can help ensure that our love for board games doesn’t come at the expense of the planet.
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