Greenpeace Calls for Greener Games Industry

Greenpeace has recently released a report claiming that the three major games consoles and their manufacturing companies are not doing enough in terms of environmental issues. After a detailed investigation of the materials used in all three major consoles, Greenpeace found that many were harmful to the environment. While the consoles may conform to European regulations, it is argued that the companies, especially Nintendo were not doing enough to limit the detrimental effect they are having upon the environment.

A Greenpeace spokesperson was shocked to find a complete lack of environmental policies in place at Nintendo. After a global assessment of technology companies, Nintendo were in fact bottom of the table. The crux of the issue is that some of the chemicals used in the manufacturing of consoles are toxic, especially when recycled.

Nintendo were not the only culprits however, both the Xbox 360 and Sony PS3 contained high levels of chemicals. The most worrying of these chemicals for Greenpeace were the phthalates used for softening and protecting cables. While these chemicals are not allowed in the toy manufacturing industry, a grey area surrounds games consoles. Fundamentally, it is deemed as technological equipment rather than a toy; something that Greenpeace would like rectified. The use of bromine as a flame retardant was also highlighted as a major problem, as was the use of beryllium. This element is said to be linked with cancer when recycled.

Nintendo were quick to refute the claims however arguing that they meet all current EU legislation concerned with hazardous materials adding that they understand youngsters use the device and hence have taken this into account during development. This will not please Greenpeace however, they would like to see the fifty tonnes of hazardous waste produced globally reduced considerably. In addition Greenpeace wanted to see legitimate procedures put in place for the disposal of consoles, as of yet there are no special provisions.

Microsoft has committed itself to eliminating PVC, phthalates and bromine from its manufacturing processes by 2010 and even Nintendo have stated they wish to do the same, although no specific timeframe has been given. Sony as of yet have not committed themselves to the elimination process, an issue Greenpeace have been heavily critical of highlighting the removal of these chemicals in the VAIO laptops and why this cannot be carried into console manufacture.

While they have not committed directly, Sony were still adamant that they were attempting to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals as and when they can find materials that match their high production standards. Currently all three companies meet regulations but Greenpeace want the games industry, as one of the most innovative in the world to set an example in terms of environmentally friendly policies. It is not as if the technology is not there to use other materials, but without stronger legislation the impetus to change is simply not there.

Whether the claims from Greenpeace will make any difference remains to be seen. With the current price of all three consoles being so high it is certain that changing the materials inside will only make them more expensive, a fact that the gaming industry will be acutely aware of. As more and more industries are put under pressure from environmental activists, legislation will most probably change. It is not until regulations are strengthened however that the companies will fall into line. Despite the fact that making them change their habits without stronger legislation could prove more difficult than drawing blood from a stone, Greenpeace will undoubtedly continue their efforts championing the environmental cause.

 Posted on: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at 10:01 am
 News.
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