Tiktokers take stand against greenwash
New climate series aims to help young social media users spot fake sustainability claims.
A video series created to address climate anxiety among youth has ventured into the murky topic of greenwashing.
The Stay Tuned To Our Planet (STTOP) series blends humour and expert insights over 28 episodes to engage and equip viewers with the tools needed to take effective climate action.
According to the series creators, research has revealed that one in three young Aussies have reported that their feelings about climate change “had a negative impact on their daily functioning, with almost 50% reporting feeling anxious on a weekly basis”.
In a recent episode, presenter Mathew McKenna and comedian Dan Ilic explore the deceptive world of eco-marketing - or greenwashing - to help viewers identify what he describes as “laundered misinformation” and make better purchasing decisions.
"The number one thing I look for when someone mentions greenwashing is some kind of green, leafy logo or the words carbon free or carbon neutral"
Ilic, who describes himself as an ‘investigative humourist’, discusses the way some companies use misleading labels to appear environmentally friendly without making genuine changes.
“The number one thing I look for when someone mentions greenwashing is some kind of green, leafy logo or the words carbon free or carbon neutral,” Ilic said. “Then I instantly know someone’s trying to convince me that they’re green, so I’d better look a little bit closer.”
The episode encourages viewers to scrutinise the corporate claims from their favourite brands that adorn packaging with vague terms such as ‘green’ or ‘recycled’. It also advises they seek out independent, trusted sources of product information to make better choices.
Bug protein
In other STTOP episodes, insect protein advocate Skye Blackburn discusses the environmental benefits of integrating insects into our diet, while zero-waste expert and founder of Banish, Lottie Dalziel, shares practical ways to reduce consumption and help save the planet.
Lizzy Nash, the series creator, says she hopes the success of the program will help secure funding for a broader educational initiative.
“We’re overwhelmed by the positive response so far,” Nash said. “What I hope for now is that we can secure grants and philanthropy so we can develop the series into a free education program for schools and community groups across Australia.”
