Podcasts are commonplace in 2023. 2020, in particular, saw a significant surge in the number of podcasts created, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic regulations restricting in-office work and out-of-office socialization. Although the numbers are down from 2020, there are still an estimated three million active podcasts in 2023, making up the multi-billion dollar industry. 

In theory, podcasts are a fantastic way to spread awareness. If you are passionate about a topic, you can make episodes devoted to that topic and that will reach a niche audience directly. There are little overhead costs to starting a podcast. You can even go about producing a podcast in a sustainable way. This is particularly important when starting a green living podcast. Follow this guide if you’re interested in spreading the virtual word about sustainable lifestyles.

Determine Why You Want To Start a Podcast About the Environment and Sustainability

Podcasts can be an excellent outlet for creativity that uses little resources. Using entertainment to enact change is not a new concept. The ability of entertainment media, like movies, music, and plays, to spread a message far and wide is unmatched. The global appeal of entertainment shouldn’t be underestimated. Podcasts are one form of media that has far-reaching effects, so it has massive potential to spread awareness about green living. 

Before you start this type of podcast, you must determine your purpose. Starting any podcast requires a clear sense of “why,” but when it comes to launching a green living podcast, it’s crucial to be passionate and knowledgeable about the topic. Ask yourself why you want to create a podcast focused on sustainable living — and whether or not you will continue to have the drive to produce consistent episodes. Your motivation could include that you want to:

• Educate your audience on green living basics;
• Inspire others to live a more green lifestyle;
• Share a unique lifestyle perspective; 
• Update on environmental living news. 

Understanding your motivation will help you stay committed and ensure your podcast delivers value to your audience.

Take a Look at Current Green Podcasts for Inspiration

Before diving into podcast production, explore existing green podcasts to understand the current landscape. This way, you can see what is currently capturing the attention of larger audiences and emulate some of those podcast strategies. Further, you can identify any gaps that need to be filled in the green living podcast space. If you can tailor your green living podcast to have a focus that fills this information gap, you can tap into a niche market. 

In fact, you can cater to the same audience as current green podcasts by offering them a unique perspective that they can’t get from other audio entertainment. Take notes on competitors’ content, style, and audience engagement strategies. This research will help you refine your podcast concept and differentiate it from others in the field.

Avoid Greenwashing

The intention of a green living podcast is noble on the surface. However, you must be careful to avoid greenwashing — in your content and any content or products you promote. Greenwashing is how brands and individuals may make misleading claims that their product or advice is eco-friendly without substantiating those claims. 

Consumers value eco-friendliness now more than ever, and sustainability has become somewhat of a buzzword because of this. To appeal to a wider market, many products and services tout themselves as “green” or “eco-conscious” without actually being so. If you work with any products or talk about any lifestyle tips, make sure they have tangible data to back up how they positively impact the environment. Be prepared to call out greenwashing when you encounter it and provide your audience with accurate information.

Your listeners will notice that you are doing your research to give them the most transparent information on eco-friendly living as possible, and your podcast can flourish for that reason. 

Assess the Carbon Footprint of Your Podcast and Lifestyle

A key aspect of a green living podcast is practicing what you preach. Evaluate the carbon footprint of your podcast production process and personal lifestyle. Consider eco-friendly options for hosting your podcast, such as green web hosting providers. Reduce your energy consumption during production and offset any emissions when possible. 

Demonstrating your commitment to sustainability will resonate with your audience and reinforce your podcast’s credibility. You could even have a segment where you analyze the carbon footprint of your podcast or any lifestyle tips you gave and tracked incorporating into your own life over the past week. You could even include recommendations for sustainable recording equipment and materials in the description of your podcast episodes, letting listeners know you care about your own environmental impact as much as theirs.

Select Equipment and Editing Software

Choosing the right equipment is critical for producing high-quality digital content.  When first getting started, you may not have a large budget to get all the bells and whistles for podcasting. Instead, place your focus on purchasing equipment and software that is energy-efficient. A podcast focused on green living should prioritize tech that falls in line with that initiative, which may include investing in the following:

• Cloud-based software that reduces data transfers and can measure your digital carbon footprint; 
• Thrifted equipment like second-hand microphones, old curtains for soundproofing, or refurbished headphones to prevent the accumulation of e-waste; 
• High-quality electronics that reduce e-waste by lasting longer and needing fewer repairs. 

Whatever you choose, look into how it impacts the environment.

Market and Monetize Your Audio Content

If you already have a platform, you can announce the show to your existing audience. Otherwise, look into cost-friendly, eco-friendly ways to push your podcast to the right audience, such as paid social media ads. Build a website or landing page for your podcast, optimize your episodes for search engines, and engage with your audience on social media platforms. 

Starting a podcast also includes monetizing your content. Explore monetization options such as sponsorships, affiliate marketing, listener donations, or premium content subscriptions to support your podcast financially while staying true to your eco-conscious mission. 

Launching a green living podcast can be a powerful way to inspire positive change and promote sustainable lifestyles. By following these steps and staying committed to your purpose, you can create a podcast that not only spreads awareness about green living but also contributes to a more eco-friendly and informed society.

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Header photo by Jeremy Enns: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-in-white-shirt-doing-audio-podcast-5083624/