Sims 4 Goes Eco With Vertical Gardens and Living Rooftops

Electronic Arts (EA) just announced the launch of a new “Eco Lifestyle Expansion” for the popular video game The Sims 4. The pack allows Sims players to go green by adopting environment-conscious activities and lifestyles in-game. The Eco Expansion is the ninth and latest pack since the game’s PC launch in 2014.

The new Eco Lifestyle Expansion primarily focuses on the new area of Evergreen Harbour.  The players’ choices and actions directly impact the new area’s environment, which can be kept free of pollution and waste. Players can also purchase sustainability made items and utilize energy-saving building methods such as solar panels.

“Reduce, reuse, and recycle! Produce your own electricity and water with solar panels, wind turbines, and dew collectors,” says EA. “Or grow your own food in a new vertical garden to really control your impact on the world.”

Sims can also explore new career options including civil designer and freelance crafter. By engaging in community organizing, players can instigate Neighbourhood Action Plans and encourage sustainable or creative projects. Players can even dumpster dive, salvaging and repurposing pre-used items for a sustainable home and wardrobe.

“If you don’t take action, you might see nature retreat as junk accumulates around town,” says EA. “On the other hand, buildings bloom with more flora and green when trash is picked up and lots are kept clean.”

The Sims Goes Vegan

The Eco Lifestyle Expansion is not the first time environment-conscious updates were available for The Sims franchise. In 2019, YouTuber LilSimsie created an update for The Sims 4 featuring a vegan restaurant where players can order a Tofurky dinner. Some Sims fans, such as LilSimsie, create custom and shareable “starter” files.

LilSimsie’s Sims 4 starter file includes a vegan restaurant named Lettuce Eat, complete with a varied plant-based menu. The YouTuber, whose real name is Kayla, also made a conscious effort to improve inclusivity and diversity in her custom update. The patch includes more than 60 new Sims families, and gender-neutral bathrooms.

As people self-isolate and stay home during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, video game sales are increasing. Nintendo’s latest Animal Crossing release sold more than 1.8 million copies in Japan within its first three days. Online games, in particular, allow people to socialize with friends and family around the world while remaining safe at home.

The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle Expansion Pack arrives on Mac, PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on June 5.