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Game off

Game off

DoAction 34

Fag endsLight the way
Plug out and play outsideDoers doing this DoAction have pledged to save: 309 kg CO2
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From Pong to Portal, video games have entertained and challenged us all. They’re fun. But you can have too much of a good thing. Spending lots of time in front of a screen not only leads to sore thumbs and square eyes, but also bigger waistlines, energy bills, and carbon footprints.

So for a few hours each week, switch off your screen and go play outside. It’s that simple.

Why?

Climate change

Games consoles can suck up as much power as a vacuum cleaner1. Swap the computer games for outdoor games and save 60kg CO2 over a year.

Money

Saving energy means saving money, especially with ever-increasing electricity prices. Game off and save your cash.

 

 

Social

A game of frisbee or five-a-side football is a great way to catch up with your mates and have some fun. Or you could join a local sports club and make some new friends.

Health

Swapping an hour or two of video games each week for more energetic activity can help you lose weight, protect you against cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and it might even help you to do better at school or work2.

Time

13 hours

each week is spent playing video games by the average gamer3

To put it another way, that’s a month of non-stop gaming every year! Just think what you could do with all that time.

How?

Try out a new sport, pick up an old favourite, or simply go explore the great outdoors.
It’s normally more fun with other people, so invite your mates along to the park, the pool, or the paintball field. Go on, text them now.
Here are a few helpful starters:

  • Project Wild Thing - they have some great ideas for getting stuck into nature.
  • Discover a hobby - if you’re up for trying a new sport or hobby check out this site for the low-down on everything from Acroyoga and Archery to Sign Language and Screenwriting!
  • Your Local Leisure Centre - find out what sports classes and clubs yours runs

Whatever you do, make sure you have fun!

Want to do this action? Head over to our list of Doers to find someone to pledge for.
 

1 Power usage in games

2 Video games and academic performance

3 Time spent gaming