What Makes a Good YouTube Sustainability Channel?
So recently, as I pack boxes to move to America, and without my YouTube channel, it’s forced me into a different mindset. I went from always thinking about “What should my next video’s topic be?” to now thinking more broadly about questions like:
- What makes a good YouTube channel?
- How do I reach more people, not just already environmentally-minded people?
- How do we improve science communication?
- Can a YouTube channel on sustainability, environment, and eco living even become popular to a mainstream audience?
- How can I get people to connect nature and the environment to their own actions?
- How can I influence people to change their lives?
At first, I looked at what is already out there. And there are some REALLY good YouTube channels out there that cover the facts, the science, and how to make your life sustainable. So I wanted to take a moment to examine some of the different channels and what I like about them in order to glean what works, what doesn’t, and what is still needed in the YouTube video space.
Think it out with me.
The Science Communicators
Our Changing Climate
As far as channels that explain the science surround climate and sustainability go, Our Changing Climate is probably the top of the pack for me.
Stuff I like
These videos are well-researched and informative, extremely well written, have amazing visuals and stock footage usage. A++ science communication! Also, his conclusions are usually perfectly on-point: logical, well-reasoned, and never overly dramatic just to rile people up.
Stuff I don’t like
There isn’t much feeling of “I like this guy! He’s a joy to listen to, like I’d want to be friends with him!” I tend to like channels where you get that human connection. There is none of that here.
Climate Town
This is a newer channel, but for the short time it’s been around, it’s amassed a huge following…and for a good reason: great information and absolutely hilarious.
Stuff I like
The information and science is accurate and well-communicated, and the humor is hilarious (to me).
Stuff I don’t like
As much as I love the channel, it’s not exactly kid friendly and I could see why some people who aren’t a fan of bro-humor might not like it. It might not appeal to everyone.
Others of note
There are plenty of other great ones that aren’t focused solely on environment like Sci Show that may not focus on environment, but when they do put out environment-focused videos, they are top science-communicators.
Sustainable Living Channels
Rob Greenfield
I feel like you can’t talk about sustainable living-focused YouTube channels without talking about Rob Greenfield.
Stuff I like
He’s a pretty likeable guy, and as far as sustainable living goes, he’s the king as far as I’m concerned. He takes living sustainably seriously, and he makes it look easier than most people think it is.
Stuff I don’t like
I said “easier than most people think it is”, not “easy” for a reason: very few people would be willing to dumpster dive for meals, even if it’s all stuff that’s wrapped in plastic packaging and perfectly edible. I think most people probably would just get immediately turned off by the grand canyon-sized gap between his style of living and the average American’s.
Others of Note
There are lots of others (read: LOTS, like TONS of others) that talk about sustainability, but tend to be focused on a specific audience: trendy hipsters, white suburban housewives, or the zero waste/minimalist movement, just to name a few. These channels do great within their own cliques, but don’t usually reach a wide audience.
There’s nothing wrong with these channels, I just want to see if I can’t reach a wider audience than just the one niche.
Okay. This blog post is getting much longer than I expected it to be. I’m going to have to continue it tomorrow. It’s dinner time.
TO BE CONTINUED!