The digital times we live in are ideal for remote connections, like working from home, online learning, or virtual meetings. It can also impact the environment.

In this piece, we'll explore how switching to online is better for the planet. We'll look specifically at how this happens with gaming and when you play slots online.

Gaming and the Environment

You may wonder how igaming and online slots can impact the environment. One part has to do with how it's packaged, and the other has to do with your carbon footprint.

Plastic Packaging

In the past, the gaming industry relied on plastic to encase each component. These were often shrink-wrapped too. Most of these boxes were made from substances that can't be recycled and would end up in a landfill. On top of this, they also had instruction manuals, printed on paper, and are therefore not eco-friendly.

While manufacturers of physical entertainment sets are far more environmentally aware these days, a digital game requires no discs, hardware, or cartridges. There's also no hard copy instructions, so it's a win for not having to worry about recycling its components.

Many online games use cloud storage and internet-based access, so there's no need for tangible material.

Transportation

On top of the game itself, the supply chain involves transporting the items from the manufacturer and eventually to your home. You remove all of this when downloading games.

When it comes to visiting an actual land-based casino to play, you're also adding a trip in your car or another form of transport. By traveling to and from the location, you're adding to the industry's carbon footprint with greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy Saving

Modern consoles and gaming computers have a power-saving mode to reduce energy consumption when not in use. LCD screens also use fewer watts than CRT monitors, and it's a popular option for 'greener' gaming.

How can you help? Tips to reduce your usage includes using the 'sleep' or hibernate function or unplugging the device completely when you're not playing.

It's also advisable to exit and close other programs running in the background. When you custom build or upgrade, ensure you're adding energy-efficient hardware to manage best how much electricity you use.

Compared to energy used by an actual brick-and-mortar casino, online requires far less. One of the primary energy zappers is the flashing lights and neon signs to create an exciting ambiance. Add to that the power bill to keep everything running, and online gaming in the comfort of your home is far more energy-efficient.

Key Takeaways

Online gaming or gambling using your laptop at home has a much smaller impact on the environment than going to an actual casino. There's also nothing to add to the trash or landfill as these have no packaging or instruction booklet to worry about.

If you're sensible about how much energy or electricity you consume at home, you won't have to worry about harming the environment.

---

Other posts

• Animals are Adaptable
• New Species Discovered Every Year
• Arctic Species are Survivalists