Stepping beyond in-fighting within activism to galvanize our collective strength
How can we help sustainability as a topic get more attention in spaces where people already consume a lot of content online, such as on YouTube? How can we lessen the amount of in-fighting going on within environmental activism so we can join forces to inspire whatever action and change we can together?
Sharing her wisdom here is Immy Lucas, a YouTube content creator and Founder of the Low Impact Movement. You'll hear about what made her most watched videos go viral, how to be more inclusive of all types of people in our communication, why it's so important for eco-advocates to come together, and more. Let's dive in!
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This is a conversation on Green Dreamer Podcast with Kaméa Chayne, a show exploring environmental and intersectional sustainability from ideas to life. Subscribe to Green Dreamer on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, or any podcast app and let’s learn what it takes to thrive in every sense of the word!
Highlights
[2:25] What first inspired Immy's passion for the environment.
[4:48] One of Immy's AHA moments that inspired her work.
[7:18] Immy shares one of the most difficult parts in her transition towards a zero waste lifestyle.
[10:56] Immy: "Just make the best decision you can without worrying about it too much... At the end of the day, we can only do what's possible for us."
[12:19] Immy's biggest challenges she's faced while growing her online community.
[13:50] Immy: "Unless you open your eyes and ears to others' perspectives and the way they view these movements, it's very difficult to make sure everyone is involved."
[14:10] What's at stake when we communicate in ways that may exclude a certain group of people.
[14:46] Kaméa: "If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently, if anything?"
[15:28] Immy: "I think showing the human side of these movements is so incredibly important because then people understand that you're just like them... Sharing your weaknesses and mistakes can be incredibly rewarding and it can be helpful for other people."
[20:36] Kaméa: "What do you think we need to have sustainability gain more awareness and exposure on YouTube, specifically?"
[22:50] An introduction to Immy's Low Impact Movement.
[25:13] Immy: "What's important here is that you're trying. Even if it's a tiny step... for us, that's good enough and we want to support that."
[27:22] Immy's advice for people just starting out on their low impact journeys.
[28:34] Kaméa: "How do you see waste reduction being related to fighting climate change?
[30:57] Kaméa: "What do you think we need most today to bring people together and take meaningful action toward a thriving planet?
[31:08] Immy: "We need to let go of judgment and any negative in-fighting that there might be within the movement. I think it's so important that we come together."
References
Immy's very first YouTube video: 'Zero Waste Lifestyle Vlog #1'
Immy's most watched video, 'The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Zero Waste'
About our Guest
Immy Lucas is an environmental activist using social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram to promote her messages around sustainable living. Last year, she founded the Low Impact Movement in an attempt to create a community and educationally based resource, and today she continues to share lifestyle tips on how to reduce our waste and in the broader sense, fight climate change.
Keep in touch
Instagram: @sustainably_vegan
Website: www.lowimpactmovement.org
Instagram: @lowimpactmovement
Tips
Inspiration: @themillennialscientist and @theclimatediaries
Note to self: "Something is better than nothing."
Health practice: "I'm cycling to Paris in June."
Sustainability practice: "I'm learning how to be a seamstress and make my own clothes."
Element of hope: Immy feels inspired by her community and everybody who is making a positive impact.
Closing words: "Don't wait to start your journey. Just start really small."
