Can I share something? Our family is currently in the middle of trialing life without a TV. I am really loving it for few reasons, one being that we have become a board game family. We are not void of screens, there is a projector for the children to watch movies hired from the local library.
Back to the board games and why I love it. They have become a big part of weekly activities as a family and we play all types. I grew up playing board games like Monopoly, Yahtzee, card games, and many others I can't remember the names of. There’s something grounding about choosing to connect with people over a board game spread across the kitchen table. I like the team building, cooperation, problem-solving skills and of course all of the laughter. Plus there are no batteries, no screens, no constant upgrades.As we've been slowly adding to our board game collection I have been impressed to discover the range of environmental and eco themed board games available. Eco themed board games provide an avenue to explore big topics like waste, climate change, biodiversity, and conservation for people of all ages.
Sometimes conversations about the environment can feel a bit too heavy. A game transforms those same themes into something approachable and hands-on, especially for little people. You can literally see ecosystems take shape, move pieces around to reduce pollution, or work together to stabilise a changing climate. It’s a reminder our choices matter, and that small actions whether in a game or in our community can ripple outward.
I've also found many of these eco theme boardgames are produced mindfully, often with no plastic pieces or plastic packaging shells or shrink wrap, are made of recycled paper materials and can be recycled at end of life.
Beyond the eco themed games, playing board games is a lovely low-waste activity since most can be found second-hand in op shops, toy libraries, online marketplaces or shared endlessly with family, friends and neighbours.
I thought i'd share some of the eco themed board games we've been playing plus ones on our list to try in the future.
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| Earhcare board game |
Earthcare
The Earthcare board game is a thoughtfully Australian designed game that brings reducing waste and sustainability to life through play. Inspired by a 1970s Conservation game from New Zealand, it encourages players to take small, positive actions for people and planet. Designed for a wide age range, the Earthcare board game blends fun with education, helping players explore ideas like reducing, reusing, recycling, and connecting with nature in an interactive way. This one is a family favourite at the moment. You can also pick between a canvas (good for travel) or cardboard game base. Get it at www.earthcaregame.org/shop
Earth Matters
In Earth Matters, your family works as a team, making choices that shape the future of the planet. I like the team theme, because protecting the planet requires team work. Along the way, you’ll chat about real-world issues like climate change and fairness, but in a way that feels more like storytelling than school. Perfect for curious kids who ask big questions.
Planet
Each player creates a mini 3D planet, adding on oceans, forests, deserts, and more. As your world grows, animals move in and habitats are built, learning in a hands-on, creative way. This one looks fun to play with kids.
Ecosystem
Ecosystem is like putting together a nature puzzle. Players build a mini ecosystem using cards, placing animals and habitats where they belong. Get it right, and everything thrives. Get it wrong well, let’s just say the animals will go hungry. I've seen reviews saying this game can move quick, a nice one for smaller kids to join in on.
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| Earhcare board game |
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| Earhcare board game |
Photosynthesis
This game is all about trees and from what i've seen reviewed is a calm game but can get competitive. Players plant seeds, choose what types of trees to grow and chase the sunlight as it moves around the board. This would be a fun way to understand how a forest works. I will add this is a US board game and our trees in Australia are different, so it would be fun to find something like this with local tree knowledge.
Cascadia
Cascadia players build landscapes of rivers, forests, and mountains, then invite in wildlife. The trick is to think like nature. The rules are accessible for roughly ages 10+ and include family friendly scoring options, but there is enough depth that adults will happily play it without kids too.
Cascadia players build landscapes of rivers, forests, and mountains, then invite in wildlife. The trick is to think like nature. The rules are accessible for roughly ages 10+ and include family friendly scoring options, but there is enough depth that adults will happily play it without kids too.
Daybreak
In Daybreak, players works together to cut emissions and build a future less reliant on fossil fuels. We've tried to play it with out nine year old but found it would be better for teenagers and adults as there are complex social issues as well as the environmental which obviously go hand in hand. I was really impressed with the plastic free features, including no shrink wrap.
In Daybreak, players works together to cut emissions and build a future less reliant on fossil fuels. We've tried to play it with out nine year old but found it would be better for teenagers and adults as there are complex social issues as well as the environmental which obviously go hand in hand. I was really impressed with the plastic free features, including no shrink wrap.
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| Daybreak board game |
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| Daybreak board game |
ECOS: First Continent
In this game, you’re basically creating a brand-new Earth from scratch. Volcanoes erupt, oceans form, animals appear. Everyone plays at the same time, so there’s no waiting around, making it a lively choice for families.
Climate Tic-Tac
Team up to tackle climate change in this hands-on, fact-filled science based game. You’ll make decisions about energy, lifestyle, and big-picture solutions, all while racing to balance and protect the planet. It’s a great mix of learning big ideas and actually having fun. Positioned as an educational game for players aged 10+.
Ecologies card game
If you enjoy card games, this one has the player build, balance and protect ecosystems. This game is designed to teach about biology and the rules can be altered depending on the age group.
Did you know you can also make your own board game?
Years ago I made a memory card game based on our garden. I collected leaves and flowers from various plants, pressed and dried, then stuck each one onto cut out cards from a cardboard box collected at our local green grocer. This fun little game helped the kids learn how to identify the array of plants in our garden.
Artist as Family shared their own homemade board game Neopeasant Revillaging on their blog.
I'd love to know if I missed any games? Maybe you've made your own too?
I'd love to know if I missed any games? Maybe you've made your own too?
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