Gaming peripheral company Razer announces plans to transition entirely to renewable energy sources across all of its global offices by the year 2025. Beyond shifting its offices to become more sustainable, Razer has also announced an "aggressive" plan to become completely carbon neutral by 2030.
The gaming industry contributes a sizable amount of pollution annually. In fact, a recent study by Sony has found that game streaming has the largest carbon footprint, something that has rapidly become the norm for gamers over the past few years. Razer, being one of the most identifiable brands used by streamers and players around the world, has decided to tackle these environmental issue head-on.
Razer announced a multiple initiative roadmap in a press release today to ensure its carbon neutrality goal is met. One of the first initiatives is for its various offices around the world to run on 100 percent renewable energy. Razer's European office in Germany has already achieved this status, with the US, Singapore, and other locations expected to follow suit. Additionally, the company is promising its entire product line will be recyclable by 2030, which includes the disposal and recycling of Razer products. This will be achieved through biodegradable packaging, along with free-of-charge recycling at any of Razer's retail stores. The products will incorporate recycled plastics as well.
One of the most visible efforts the producer has made recently is its campaign to save at least one million trees. Working with Conservation International, Razer launched a "Sneki Snek" line of products, with part of the proceeds from every purchase saving the equivalent of 10 trees. Sneki Snek began as a sketch from one of Razer's designers for his newborn child. A cutesy version of Razer's recognizable three-headed serpent logo, the creation has spawned "countless memes," tattoos, and its own dedicated fanpage. In efforts to keep it fresh, the initiative is also releasing a new Sneki Snek plush product for every 250,000 trees saved.
In addition to revealing a high-tech mask concept with RGB at CES 2021, the company has announced its inaugural Razer DevCon 2021. Held in May, the streaming convention will consist of a series of panels focused on technology topics that will center around the company's latest technologies. Given its newly defined stance on environmental impact, the DevCon is sure to address its products' sustainability as well.
Although Razer's efforts to reduce its pollution is admirable, it is just one of many electronics companies. Thankfully, it isn't alone, as Apple also plans to be carbon neutral by 2030. Similar to Razer, Apple is creating a fund to invest in carbon removal through avenues like forest restoration and protection, as well as other projects that will help reduce carbon emissions. It's a good sign to see several big-name companies take stances against emissions, a trend that will hopefully keep momentum in the months and years to come.