How To Make Your Video Game System Go Green

Video games are becoming increasingly popular. They are great, especially when played with friends. However there have been concerns about the hazards of video game systems like PlayStation and Xbox to the environment. They take up lots of energy and produce waste. Thankfully, making your video game systems go green is simple enough to do. Here are some tips on how to make your video game systems more friendly to the environment:

1. Turn off and unplug the console when not in use. Your video game systems use a lot of energy when they’re simply on standby mode. A PlayStation 3 console consumes around 200 watts of energy when at peak, and an Xbox 360 consumes roughly the same amount. When on standby mode, the system uses about the same amount of energy as it uses while at play. This is a complete waste of energy, and it is bad for the environment. You could power two refrigerators using the energy consumed by consoles during standby mode!
2. Properly dispose of your irreparable video game systems. Electronic waste (or e-waste) is an increasingly alarming problem. When obsolete or broken electronic devices are not properly disposed of, they get dumped in third world countries. This poses serious health risks, as certain chemicals such as beryllium, bromine, lead, and cadmium are serious contaminants. As the average lifespan of an electronic device is 6 months, you can just imagine how much electronic waste we are producing. You can go green by taking your irreparable consoles to authorized recycling facilities, which either dispose of the waste properly, or cannibalize the parts safely.
3. Use energy saving techniques. A Nintendo Wii is the best choice for those who want to go green. Comparing the Play Station, Xbox 360, and the Wii, the Wii consumes the least energy (as low as 16 watts). A power saving mode is also available for all three. The power saving mode is a great way to save energy while playing.
4. Avoid watching movies or connecting to the Internet using your console. This consumes three times more energy than regular players. Remember, the more features a console has, the more energy it requires to work. Although it may seem like an energy saver because you only have to use one device for everything, it is actually very detrimental to the environment. Invest in separate players, so you can save energy and money on bills.
5. Research. There is always new information on the Internet. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has conducted many experiments about video gaming, electronic waste, and the energy efficiency of video game consoles. Periodically check websites to see if there is news on new consoles. Currently, video game console designers are being pushed to include a sleep button on future consoles to save energy. Many activists have support groups on the Internet.

It is easy to make your video game consoles go green. All you need is a little responsibility and a little research. With these simple tips, you’ll be going green in no time.