From Influencer to Eco Creator 🌍
TL;DR: Today we're exploring environmental content creation with @margreen_s, the emotional impact of being an eco creator and how streaming can help us rethink the way we tell stories in the field.
Unpacking Episode 002
From Influencer to Eco Creator: Re-introducing @Margreen_s!
For our second episode of the podcast, we take a look at Margarita Samsonova's journey from a travel influencer to an environmental content creator. Some of you might remember her by @margreen_s from a couple of entries ago.
I was promoting things that I'm not proud of right now... I thought that I am throwing my creator career out of the window.
- Margarita Samsonova
Her open reflection on her past set the tone for us to have a deep conversation about authenticity, passion, and resilience in the face of eco anxiety. Marga's story is a good reminder that we as creators get to decide which topics deserve our attention and how we spread awareness about environmental challenges.
But to get there, we have to dare to look at our own learning histories and align our work with our values to make a positive impact.
The Emotions behind a project
Creating environmental content isn't just about highlighting issues, challenges and their solutions — it's also an emotional journey that can take a toll on us eco creators.
Margreen opens up about the burden of eco anxiety and the emotional challenges of witnessing the harsh realities of climate change firsthand.
It’s driving me mad sometimes that I think that I’m not enough... I am there just for a short time. But these people, they really dedicate their lives to this specific cause, to being there daily, to caring for these projects every day. And I always thought that it's not me because I am just this traveler... I'm just here to hear the story, create the story and move on.
- Margarita Samsonova
I think this is a very common feeling to experience when you get into this space. Which is why it's important for us to acknowledge it in the first place. But there's a silver lining!
Margreen talks about transforming and using these emotions into a driving force for her work. "Once you start breaking it down, it’s not an anxiety anymore. It’s a specific feeling, a fear, that you can address and you can work with. You can use it as a fuel, as power.” So next time you start feeling a little anxious, lean into it and see where that jet fuel takes you 🚀
The Future ahead
In our discussion we got to look ahead how livestreams can play a role in the fight against these environmental challenges.
For example: using livestreams can help you create more content for your organisation, project or business.
Capture Authentic Moments:
Next time you're in the field, get out your GoPro, phone or whatever camera you have available, and start using livestreams to show real-time activities. Examples I'm thinking of: cleanups, community work or tree plantings, etc. This builds a deeper connection with your audience and inspires them by seeing you and others in action.
Create Macro and Micro Content:
Record your livestreams and repurpose the footage. Clip the best moments to create engaging micro-content for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube (Shorts). You can even look at the retention curve in your analytics and spot the moments that were a highlight to your audience. Hint, clip these ;)
Go vertical with your audience:
Interact with your viewers during the livestream. Answer their questions, respond to comments, and make them feel involved in the project. Not only do you create a deeper bond with your peeps, these might also be good clips to use to reach new people!
Build transparency:
The transparency you gain when streaming helps build trust and allows your audience to see the effort and passion behind your work. It might also get you in contact with other creators/organisations/... and you can start collaborating!
Subscribe for more tips:
Follow the Creators For Climate Youtube channel to stay up to date on new episodes and clips filled with tips from our guests on how to communicate climate issues through content.
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As always, we value your feedback. Let us know what you think of our first episode and what topics you'd like us to cover in the future. Your input helps us shape our content to better serve our community of climate creators.
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