Social Media as an Environmental Tool
Social media, while often considered a platform for entertainment or socialization, can also be a powerful tool for environmental education. Did you know that approximately 92.7% of all internet users have at least one social media account? That’s a huge potential audience to reach with messages related to the environment. Below are some ways social media can educate or inspire stewardship for our planet.
Social media as a learning resource
Know Your Florida is an educational Instagram page run by TESI focused on Florida’s environment. Weekly posts explore a variety of topics including Florida’s native species, updates on endangered species, outdoor wonders, and more to inspire Floridians to care for their state.
TESI Tell Me About is social media and web campaign run by TESI and featured on the UFEarthSystems Instagram page that highlights environmental topics that have state, regional, or national significance.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is a leading organization in environmental issues across the world. Their Instagram page features breathtaking pictures with captions containing educational blurbs and showcasing projects and people making strides in environmental protection.
Social media to guide action
TESI Action of the Week is featured on TESI’s website and UFEarthSystems Instagram. Every week, this campaign introduces easy-to-implement, environmentally friendly actions with tips or steps. Different ways to become involved in your community are also posted.
The Zero Waste Guide Instagram page is full of sustainable tips and tricks you can use to be more zero waste in your everyday life, such as how to reduce food waste.
Social media that starts conversations
Social media can also be a powerful platform for sparking change. By sharing thought-provoking content, posts can highlight urgent issues, drive discussions, and push for action. From plastic pollution to water conservation, a single thought-provoking post can build awareness of pressing issues.
Share Your Passion
You can share or create content that educates about or inspires action for the environment.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Follow accounts that inspire you. See what other creators are doing and the platforms they use.
- Consider your goal. Do you want to educate? Guide Action? Start conversation?
- Find your look. Canva is a great, free resource to make visually compelling social media graphics and video content.
- Generate engagement. Ask questions or create calls to actions in your caption, use hashtags, and stay on top of viral trends or challenges that can be tied back to environmental issues.
- Check your facts. Use reputable sources to ensure your content is accurate, unbiased, and up to date.
- Have fun! Social media can be a great way to explore your passions and connect with others who share them.