These are the most environmentally damaging hobbies

From greenhouse gas emissions to the overexploitation of mineral resources and the harsh effects on biodiversity, here’s how your leisure activities might be bad for the environment.

Have you ever found yourself glued to the TV, watching an eye-opening ecological program, or mindlessly scrolling through social media, witnessing the devastating climate disasters unfolding worldwide? It’s enough to make you pause and ponder: just how much of a role am I playing in all of this? Whether I’m commuting to work, preparing a meal, or engaging in my favorite leisure activity, am I unintentionally harming the environment with my everyday actions? Let’s face it: we all have a carbon footprint to consider.

The widespread hobbies with the highest negative impacts on ecosystems include (but are not limited to) skydiving, motorcycling, golfing, and gaming. Depending on where and for how long you engage in these activities, you could be doing much more damage to the environment than you might think.

Here in this article, we’re going to provide some definitions and context before we dive into what hobbies are affecting our planet the most.

1. What is considered an environmentally damaging hobby?

An environmentally harmful hobby can be defined as any activity that introduces pollution, thereby altering the environmental matrix by changing its physical, chemical, or biological parameters. This disturbance can disrupt the normal functions of the environment.

But is there a human activity that does none of that? The answer is probably no. The key is to recognize that these modifications must have visible negative effects, whether on a short or long-term basis (yes, even on a microscopic level!)

However, it is important to consider that an activity may not be entirely “bad” for the environment. By taking a step back and evaluating the potential positive impacts, we may discover unexpected results that differ from what we would’ve expected. It is crucial to assess the overall impact of an activity rather than focusing solely on its negative aspects.

2. What are the types of damage?

In order to evaluate ecological harm, scientists use various classifications based on the specific objectives of their research. One noteworthy classification takes into account the type of pollutant involved: physical (such as noise and light pollution), chemical, and biological (including invasive species). We can further breakn down these categories into subcategories, such as plastics, heavy metals, and detergents.

A second classification examines the impacted matrix: damage to the hydrosphere (water), atmosphere (air), lithosphere (soil), or biosphere (species). This method allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the ecological impacts of pollutants on different environmental components.

Another – very fancy – classification of the potential impacts of products (or hobbies!) used by environmental professionals while conducting a life cycle assessment. This classification consists of four major categories of impacts:

• Effects on climate change
• Effects on natural resources
• Effects on the ecosystem
• Effects on human health

Using these frameworks, let’s dive into four hobbies that are particularly harmful to the planet.

3. Five eco-damaging hobbies

3.1. Skydiving

Starting with what is arguably the “worst” one.
Skydiving is often seen as a breathtaking adventure, but it comes with a heavy environmental cost. It is no secret that jets, airplanes, and helicopters have significant effects on the environment due to their high carbon footprints as they emit big amounts of CO2, directly impacting climate change.

Environmental organizations and associations consistently advocate for stricter sanctions and regulations on their usage. However, when it comes to aerial activities such as skydiving, the necessity of using aircraft is undeniable.

Globally 4 out of 5 people have never flown, but 1% of the world is responsible for half of aviation emissions. 🚨

To tackle the climate crisis fairly we need to cut luxury emissions like the ones from private jets first.#BanPrivateJets #ClimateJustice pic.twitter.com/OgshFL6oFe

— Greenpeace International (@Greenpeace) March 15, 2023

While the environmental impact of skydiving cannot be ignored, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate its effects. Some skydiving companies are investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft and exploring alternative energy sources to power their operations.

Additionally, efforts are being made to offset carbon emissions through tree planting initiatives and other sustainability projects. It is crucial for the skydiving industry to continue to prioritize environmental responsibility and work toward finding innovative solutions to reduce its carbon footprint.

Later in this article, we will suggest skydiving alternatives that assure a similar thrilling experience with smaller ecological consequences.

3.2. Motorcycling

For motorcycling, we can consider two types of damage: greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem damage. A motorcycle, like all other vehicles of the pre-electrical era, needs significant amounts of gas to run, and that gas getting burned generates enormous quantities of GHG, which directly affects climate change but also creates various effects on human health, another important axis to consider.

In addition, motorcycling in nature creates a nuisance for the ecosystems living there, that comes from the noise pollution but also from the wheels that destroy small organisms and probably their homes too and cause alterations of the soil’s physical and chemical nature. The damage of this activity can, however, be significantly reduced if the activity is practiced in specifically designated areas.

3.3. Golfing

Golf is probably one of your first guesses of the not-so-eco-friendly hobbies. That is understandable, given their bad reputation. Indeed, an average golf course has an area of 74 acres, which is the equivalent of 5100 pine trees!

Can’t you translate what that means? Let me break it out to you: that is about 1500 tons of carbon (or 4500 tons of CO2) stored ( you can read more about how many trees we need to offset carbon emission). Enormous, right? No,w if we take all these trees and cut them off, and instead, we replace them with a thin layer of carefully lawned grass, can we even imagine the losses? That doesn’t only mean the complete eradication of some ecosystems and the possible extinction of a species, but now we also have to deal with 4500 tons of CO2 in the air.

Notice how I haven’t even talked about the wild animals that need to find a new home?

3.4. Traveling or travel photography

According to a survey conducted by Aytm, it was found that 56% of Americans were planning to travel during the holiday season. This equates to a staggering 17 tons of CO2 being emitted per hour.

However, the environmental impact of travel extends beyond just flights. Cruises, in particular, are significant contributors to carbon emissions and pose a threat to marine ecosystems. The effluents discharged into the ocean, ballast water management practices, noise pollution affecting pelagic communities, and the potential introduction of invasive species all contribute to the negative impact of cruises on the environment.

It is crucial for individuals to consider the environmental consequences of their travel choices and seek out more sustainable alternatives.

*This is a rough estimate, and it doesn’t take into consideration other forms of travel other than flights.

3.5. Gaming

When we talk about gaming, it is important that we consider both PC games and cloud-based games. Data centers, which support cloud-based gaming, are known for their high electricity consumption.

Modern gaming systems are highly demanding, consuming 34 TWh of electricity in the U.S. annually. Additionally, these systems require rare-earth metals that must be mined. The demand for these metals continues to rise as the gaming industry grows, putting further strain on already vulnerable ecosystems. 

A study conducted by the University of Cambridge in 2019 estimated that global gaming activities contribute approximately 24 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. This is equivalent to the emissions produced by 5 million cars.

As consumers become more aware of the environmental impact of their gaming habits, there is growing pressure for companies to prioritize sustainability in their production processes.

Below is a table summarizing energy use depending on each gaming device 1 hour a day for 1 year):

4. Parameters that make your hobby more environmentally damaging

Although these mentioned hobbies are considered some of the most disastrous to the planet, it is important to note that ranking them in terms of their impact is not a straightforward task. The ecological footprint of these activities can vary significantly depending on a variety of factors.

For example, gaming for just half an hour a day over the course of a year can result in the emission of approximately 44 kg of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to driving a car for 150 to 200 km. However, if one were to game for 5 hours daily for a year, the carbon dioxide emissions would increase to 220 kg, roughly equivalent to a 1000 to 1500 km flight. To offset this impact, one would need to plant 10-12 trees.

Another important factor to consider is the origin of the materials and energy used in these activities. Utilizing recycled materials can help reduce the ecological footprint, as can using renewable energy sources to power the games. Similarly, activities such as creating a golf course on already barren land or motorcycling in undeveloped areas can have a neutral or even negative impact on the environment, as they can disrupt fragile ecosystems.

In conclusion, it is crucial to consider all aspects of an activity’s environmental impact before labeling it as “disastrous.” By being mindful of the materials and energy sources used, as well as the location in which the activity takes place, we can work towards minimizing our ecological footprint and preserving our planet for future generations.

5. What can I do to reduce my ecological footprint?

Reducing the time of your activity, looking for clubs that participate in neutralizing the impacts of the hobby, or opting for similar alternatives are among the many steps you can take to help save the planet.

For instance, if you enjoy skydiving, consider trying bungee jumping, base jumping, or paragliding as they offer a similar thrill of free falling without the use of motors and fuel. Indoor golf is another excellent alternative to traditional golfing, and there are eco-friendly golf clubs available for membership. It is important to research and understand how these clubs are actively working to minimize their environmental footprint, as greenwashing is a prevalent issue.

If you are a frequent traveler, there are numerous alternatives to flying that can help reduce your carbon footprint. Utilizing public transportation, carpooling, or opting for a more sustainable mode of transportation such as biking are all viable options. By choosing these eco-friendly alternatives, you can embark on a mission to discover local hidden gems while minimizing your impact on the environment.

Conclusion

While hobbies are an important part of life, it’s essential to consider their environmental impact. By making mindful choices and opting for sustainable alternatives, you can reduce your ecological footprint and contribute to a healthier planet.

What’s one hobby you can make more eco-friendly today? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!

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