The Environmental Impact of Board Games: What You Should Know

Quick Answer

Board games do have an environmental footprint, but it's smaller than many consumer electronics and often offset by their longevity and reusability. To minimize impact, choose games with durable components, support publishers using sustainable materials, and buy second-hand or trade games when possible.

When you think about environmental impact, board games probably aren't the first thing that comes to mind. But every game you own—from the cardboard box to the plastic miniatures—has a story that begins with raw materials and manufacturing. Understanding that story helps you make choices that align with your values without giving up the joy of gaming.

In this article, we'll bust common myths about board game sustainability, explain what materials actually go into your favorite games, and offer practical tips for eco-conscious players. We'll also highlight some games from our catalog that demonstrate thoughtful design and durable construction.

Myth: All Board Games Are Bad for the Environment

It's easy to assume that any manufactured product harms the planet, but board games have a relatively low impact compared to many other consumer goods. They're typically made from paper, cardboard, and wood—renewable resources—and they're designed to last for years, not months. A single game can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment, spreading its environmental cost over many uses.

Contrast that with electronic games that require energy to play and become obsolete quickly. Board games don't consume electricity during play and often become family heirlooms. The key is to choose games with quality components that withstand repeated play, reducing the need for replacements.

• Look for games with sturdy boards and cards that won't wear out quickly.
• Consider games that combine multiple play modes or expansions to extend replayability.

What Materials Are Actually Used?

Board games primarily use cardboard for boards and tiles, paper for rulebooks, and plastic for pieces or miniatures. The cardboard and paper often come from sustainably managed forests, and many publishers now use recycled or FSC-certified materials. Plastic components, however, are a concern because they're petroleum-based and not always recyclable.

Some games are shifting toward wood or other biodegradable materials for pieces, but these can be more expensive. When shopping, check the box for material information or look for games that use paper and cardboard over plastic where possible. For example, 'A Place for All My Books: DELUXE Edition' uses primarily cardboard and paper components, which are more easily recycled.

It's also worth noting that the manufacturing process itself—printing, cutting, and assembly—uses energy and water. However, many publishers are adopting greener practices, such as soy-based inks and water-based coatings.

• Prefer games with minimal plastic packaging.
• Support publishers that disclose their material sourcing.

The Longevity Factor: A Game That Lasts Is Greener

One of the most overlooked aspects of sustainability is durability. A game that falls apart after a few plays ends up in a landfill, wasting all the resources that went into making it. Conversely, a well-made game can be played hundreds of times and then passed down or sold.

When evaluating a game's environmental impact, consider its replay value. Abstract strategy games like 'boop' offer near-infinite replayability because the setup changes every time. Cooperative games like 'The Night Cage' also have high replay value due to variable tile layouts, ensuring you get maximum use from the product.

• Invest in games known for their durability and replayability.
• If a game wears out, recycle its cardboard and paper components.

How to Make More Sustainable Choices

You don't have to sacrifice fun to be eco-friendly. Start by buying second-hand games or trading with friends—this extends the life of existing products and reduces demand for new manufacturing. When you do buy new, look for games with minimal plastic and sustainable packaging.

Also consider the game's footprint in terms of shipping. Games produced locally or regionally have lower transport emissions. Supporting small publishers who prioritize sustainability can drive industry-wide change.

Finally, take care of your games so they last longer. Use card sleeves, store them properly, and handle them with clean hands. This not only preserves your investment but also reduces the need for replacements.

• Join local board game swap groups or online marketplaces.
• Choose games that come in compact boxes to reduce shipping weight.

Green Gaming Verdicts

• Claim: Board games are worse for the environment than video games: Verdict: False. Board games use fewer resources over their lifetime, don't consume electricity, and last for years. Choose board games for a lower-impact hobby.
• Claim: Plastic components make a game instantly unsustainable: Verdict: Partly true. Plastic is a concern, but durability and longevity can offset initial impact. Look for games with minimal plastic, but don't dismiss games that will last a lifetime.
• Claim: You can't enjoy eco-friendly board games without sacrificing quality: Verdict: False. Many modern games use sustainable materials without compromising gameplay. Support publishers who prioritize sustainability—great games exist.

Games That Walk the Talk

• A Place for All My Books: DELUXE Edition: A Place for All My Books is a puzzley book gathering, sorting and organizing strategy game where players arrange stacks of books in different rooms of their apartment as personal projects. This game uses primarily cardboard and paper components, which are more sustainable than plastic-heavy games. Its theme of organizing and caring for books also resonates with the idea of preserving and valuing resources.
• boop: It looks adorable, but is a deceptively challenging abstract strategy game. Every time you place a kitten on the bed, it goes 'boop.' Which is to say that it pushes every other kitten next to it on the board one space away. As a purely abstract game with simple components, boop has a minimal material footprint. Its high replayability means you'll get countless plays from a single product, maximizing its environmental value.

The environmental impact of board games is real but manageable. By understanding materials, prioritizing durability, and supporting sustainable practices, you can enjoy your hobby while minimizing your footprint. Remember, every eco-friendly choice you make sends a message to the industry that green gaming matters.