Pre-global pandemic, I was one of those millennials who would look down on TikTokers with disdain, to be honest. I’d ask a barrage of questions, “Why don’t you read a book instead?” “What’s so cool about those dances anyway?” and “I can’t believe you just spent two hours watching silly TikTok videos.”
But then quarantine hit. And just like millions of other millennials around the world, I gradually found myself asking my 9 year old niece to show me how to do the “renegade,” creating an account, and then actually posting TikTok videos.
I know, it’s outrageous.
The thing is, TikTok, like all other social media out there, works with the infamous “algorithm,” to learn your likes and dislikes. It is almost scary how accurate TikTok’s algorithm is, but that’s a discussion for another day. The app curates content perfectly for your consumption.
One of the good things about this is that I am amazed by the content GenZs are creating to promote climate change, sustainability, and eco-friendly living. It’s brilliant! Using simple dances, filters, challenges, and soundbite trends to generate messages that are creative, impactful, and informative.
So, to ease my own concern over how much time I’ve spent on TikTok, I’ve listed my top 5 favourite eco-focused TikTokers, with some great input from Morelia.
@getwasteed
For #plasticfreejuly, these two creators took on the challenge and shared with their followers the challenges they faced and lessons they learned throughout the process.
@getwasteed
Know a plastic free hair product that works? Let us know in the comments! ##plasticfreejuly ##plasticfree ##curlyhair ##hairproducts ##sustainable
♬ Say So (Instrumental Version) [Originally Performed by Doja Cat] – Elliot Van Coup
What I appreciate about her is that she’s not afraid to speak her mind and call out companies with unsustainable practices. She does her research and provides great sustainable alternatives. Maybe you want to know why the fashion industry is racist, why we don’t need fast fashion, or why your yoga pants are garbage.
@sustainablecherub
💛Yoga Pants are GARBAGE (sorry🥺💔) ##learnontiktok ##edutok ##fyp ##fashion ##viral
She is certainly succeeding at her bio – “attempting to make sustainability fun.” Her videos are creative and informative. They leave me with ideas for upgrading my own space to be more sustainable.
@shelbizleee
My DIY Mouthwash Recipe! Should I do more DIYs? ##zerowaste ##sustainable ##zerowasteswaps ##zerowastediy ##diy ##morningroutine ##eco ##tiktokwellness
I’ve always loved upcycling. There are fantastic environmental, social, economic, and personal benefits of upcycling. It saves materials from entering the landfills, reduces what goes into the landfill, minimizes use of natural resources, encourages artisanal work and crafting, supports local and rural industry, saves money, and is a great way to involve children in sustainable practices. That’s why I am a huge fan of this TikToker! His videos drop facts and give great ideas for easy-to-do upcycling crafts.
@vintagestockreserve
The future of fashion starts with us♻️ ##thriftshop ##sustainablefashion ##diy
This vegan TikToker is one of my favourites, because she uses soundbites in a very creative way. Her videos come across as just trending but all the while, the viewer gets schooled.
@sabrina.sustainable.life
The time for change is now ##TwoOptions ##greennewdeal ##biden2020 ##sustainable ##ecofriendly ##weneedthis ##aoc
We love the use of creativity to promote the message of eco-friendly living! Keep creating TikTokers!! I still think we all need to read more though.o