YouTube Channels I Recommend to Watch

The following is a list of some of my favorite YouTube channels. Some of these I’ve been following for nearly a decade and others I’ve come across and gained an appreciation for more recently.

These channels cover a wide range of topics, including living sustainably, living simply, growing your own food, foraging, environmental justice, social justice, Black liberation, Indigenous sovereignty, alternative living, living in a tiny house, mindfulness and much more.

These channels together provide substantial education to help us understand the exploitative, oppressive systems that we are all part of. Some do this through in- depth reporting, while others simple show a way of living more simply and close to Earth. There is a balance of education on the issues of our time and showing the solutions for a new way forward.

Note: the descriptions shared on this page are all copied from their YouTube channel.

Also, you are welcome to join me on my YouTube Channel: Robin Greenfield.

 

Happen Films

“Documentary films about sustainability, tiny houses, permaculture, natural building, and more. We chose film because we believe it’s the most powerful way to share these ideas.

We also love making films, and love that the process – the people we meet, the research we do, the conversations we have, the stories we get to share – brings us so much hope to offset the grief we feel about what’s been happening to our world. Through film we can share that hope, with the aim of inspiring change in people’s lives and creating a better world.”

 

Exploring Alternatives

“We’re documenting the many ways that people are experimenting with alternative homes and lifestyles in their own creative, and inspiring ways. We cover a lot of topics from living off-grid to micro-apartments in the city, from homesteading to self-built tiny houses, sustainable living, and everything in between. We also feature a wide variety of spaces with interesting and innovative designs as well as alternative building techniques and materials.”

 

The Story of Stuff Project

“The Story of Stuff Project is a nonprofit organization working to transform the way we make, use, and throw away Stuff so that it is better for people and the planet.”

 

Reflections of Life “Formerly Green Renaissance”

“We use our passion for filmmaking and our love of storytelling, to remind our audience of one simple truth – that we are all human – inside our hearts and minds, we all face similar challenges. We have so much to learn from each other, and our connections run so much deeper and stronger than we think. The more that we understand and believe in this interconnectedness, the more we will treat ourselves, one another, and planet Earth with a greater sense of compassion.”

 

Green Dreamer with Kamea Chayne

“If we’re headed down a path that’s leading us to ecological degradation, dehumanization, and disconnection from the things that matter most, simultaneously endangering our earth’s clean water, clean air, and biodiversity, then we must ask boldly: What for?

In the midst of the uncertainty, it’s become crystal clear that it’s time to redefine what it means to live a life of abundance, recalibrate our measurements of progress, and dream up the world that we do want to realize for our lifetimes and beyond.

Exploring our paths to holistic healing, ecological regeneration, and true abundance and wellness for all, Green Dreamer with Kamea Chayne is a podcast and multimedia journal for those who are yearning to live lives of vitality and fulfillment and who are dreaming of a thriving planet to call home.”

 

Bioneers

“Bioneers is an innovative nonprofit educational organization that highlights breakthrough solutions for restoring people and planet. Founded in 1990 in Santa Fe, New Mexico by social entrepreneurs Kenny Ausubel and Nina Simons, Bioneers has acted as a fertile hub of social and scientific innovators with practical and visionary solutions for the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. A celebration of the genius of nature and human ingenuity, Bioneers connects people with breakthrough solutions and each other. Our acclaimed annual national and local conferences are complemented by extensive media outreach including an award-winning radio series, book series, and role in media projects such as Leonardo DiCaprio’s film The 11th Hour. Our programs further focus on Women’s Leadership, Indigenous Wisdom, Community Resilience Networks, and Leadership Development and Youth.”

 

Patagonia

“Earth is now our only shareholder.”

 

Indigenous Environmental Network

“IEN is an alliance of Indigenous Peoples whose Shared Mission is to Protect the Sacredness of Earth Mother from contamination & exploitation by strengthening, maintaining and respecting Indigenous teachings and natural laws.”

 

Indigenous Rising

“Indigenous Peoples are Rising Up in Solidarity to defend our Rights as Indigenous Peoples; to protect the Sacredness of, the Territorial Integrity of, and Rights of (Grandmother) Mother Earth; and the Rights of Future Generations. We are building solidarity from the Global South to the North to fulfill our sacred duties, listening to the teachings of our elders and the voices of our youth and women, to act wisely to carry out our responsibilities to enhance the health and respect the sacredness of Mother Earth, and to demand climate justice now.”

 

Soul Fire Farm

“Soul Fire Farm is an Afro-Indigenous centered community farm committed to uprooting racism and seeding sovereignty in the food system. We raise and distribute life-giving food as a means to end food apartheid. With deep reverence for the land and wisdom of our ancestors, we work to reclaim our collective right to belong to the earth and to have agency in the food system. We bring diverse communities together on this healing land to share skills on sustainable agriculture, natural building, spiritual activism, health, and environmental justice. We are training the next generation of activist-farmers and strengthening the movements for food sovereignty and community self-determination.”

 

Alexis Nikole Nelson AKA Black Forager

“I’m Alexis! I forage out in the VERY untamed wilderness of scenic Ohio.
Stick around and find out how we’re all surrounded by amazing plants you just haven’t gotten to know yet! … and I also sing my feelings a lot.”

 

The Intersectional Environmentalist

“IE is a community committed to dismantling systems of oppression by amplifying historically silenced voices in the environmental movement.
Intersectional environmentalism is an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet. It identifies the ways in which injustices happening to marginalized communities and the earth are interconnected. It brings injustices done to the most vulnerable communities, and the earth, to the forefront and does not minimize or silence social inequality. Intersectional environmentalism advocates for justice for people + the planet.”

 

TED

“The TED Talks channel features the best talks and performances from the TED Conference, where the world’s leading thinkers and doers give the talk of their lives in 18 minutes (or less). Look for talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design — plus science, business, global issues, the arts and more. You’re welcome to link to or embed these videos, forward them to others and share these ideas with people you know.”

 

Equal Justice Initiative

“EJI challenges poverty and racial injustice, advocates for fair and equal treatment in the criminal justice system, and creates hope for marginalized communities.”

 

Charles Eisenstein

“Charles Eisenstein is the author of several books: The Ascent of Humanity, Sacred Economics, The More Beautiful World our Hearts Know is Possible, and Climate – A New Story.

Eisenstein graduated from Yale University in 1989 with a degree in Mathematics and Philosophy, and spent the next ten years as a Chinese-English translator. He is the father of four children and currently lives in Rhode Island with his wife and youngest child.”

 

For The Wild

“For the Wild is an environmental non-profit focused on ecological restoration, bioregional research, and land conservation.

Our YouTube is home to our various webinar series : Reactive Webinars + Sisters Bonded in Action.

For The Wild preserves and strengthens the integrity of Earth’s natural communities through land conservation and ecological restoration. Powered by community efforts and bioregional native plants nurseries, its work centers around the reforestation and diversification of degraded landscapes, informed by Traditional Ecological Knowledge. For The Wild conducts ecological research to improve restoration techniques and to adapt them to our rapidly changing climate and human landscape.”

 

Kirsten Dirksen

“Videos about simple living, self-sufficiency, small (and tiny) homes, backyard gardens (and livestock), alternative transport, DIY, craftsmanship, and philosophies of life.”

 

Epic Gardening

“Epic Gardening has a simple mission: Help people around the world learn how to grow fresh, healthy food, no matter where they live.”

 

Heal Your Living

“Mindfulness, Sustainability, Minimalism, and Wellness.”

 

Pete Kanaris GreenDreamsFL

“Growing food free from toxins, Agricultural methods that regenerate soil life, Restoring Our Ecosystems, Advice from the experts to create new landscapes that feed the people + the land.”

“Whether you are growing food or just eating it, we have golden nuggets of knowledge & entertainment to offer to you seven days a week. We are happy to highlight the diversity of food crops you can grow in Florida & beyond … between the many fruits, veggies, herbs & spices – we won’t run out of footage from our 12-acre holistic farm & our friendly field trip visits to introduce our grower friends around the state. Our professional background in organic groves & ecological landscapes gives us the edge to be able to share lots of tips, tricks & inspiration for just about anything to do with alternative agriculture. No chemicals? No irrigation? No problem. We hope you subscribe & share the love of good, clean & diverse Florida-grown food!”

 

Huw Richards – Grow Food Organically

“I’m dedicated to helping you grow an abundance of food! Whilst my primary focus is no dig vegetable growing, this channel also covers herbs, fruit, edible flowers, and how to create a thriving growing space using organic and permaculture principles.”

 

Learn Organic Gardening at GrowingYourGreens

“Growing Your Greens is one of the most watched gardening show on YouTube. It’s a fun and enlightening show on how to grow food at your home and beyond. John provides you with tips and tricks as well as shares his experiences growing food at his urban homestead. John is dedicated to helping you sustainably grow the highest quality fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts and other edible foods in your front yard and beyond. Don’t forget to subscribe to keep up with all the latest episodes.”

 

Living Big In A Tiny House

“Join us as we travel the globe seeking out the very best of tiny homes, alternative dwellings and stories of downsized, off-grid living!”

 

Mountain Rose Herbs

“Purveyor of the highest quality organically grown herbs and spices, teas, essential oils, & botanical goods. Subscribe for some of our favorite herbally inspired recipes, DIY tutorials, and short documentaries.

As an herbal products company, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) forbids us from providing medical advice or making claims about our offerings. Per regulations, we are also forbidden from allowing this type of information from others in the community to remain on our page. Please know that we will remove comments we deem in violation of this FDA regulation. All information on this page is for educational purposes only.”

 

Zero Waste Home

“A collection of videos about the lifestyle of blogger, Bea Johnson, who lives waste-free with her husband and two sons since 2008. The selection includes TV segments, how-to’s, podcasts, and a review of her book, Zero Waste Home (Zéro Déchet in French). She shows that zero waste can not only be “stylish”, but also lead to significant health benefits, and time and money savings. Named “The Waste-Free Priestess” by the New York Times, she has appeared on TV shows and in publications around the world. She has become a “guru” and spokesperson for the zero-waste lifestyle.”

 

Kimi Werner

“Who’s Kimi Werner? Kimi is a freedive-spearfishing champion, a certified chef, an award-winning environmentalist—and a mom! She’s now inviting you into her kitchen and backyard in Hawaii to learn fun recipes – most of which are foraged straight from the ocean and islands herself. Sprinkled with a dose of real life family time on top!”

 

The Sioux Chef

“We are a team of Anishinaabe, Mdewakanton Dakota, Navajo, Northern Cheyenne, Oglala Lakota, Wahpeton-Sisseton Dakota and are ever growing. We are chefs, ethnobotanists, food preservationists, adventurers, foragers, caterers, event planners, artists, musicians, food truckers and food lovers.

We are committed to revitalizing Native American Cuisine and in the process we are re-identifying North American Cuisine and reclaiming an important culinary culture long buried and often inaccessible.”

 

Paul Stamets

“Saving the world, one hypha at a time. Permaculture, symbiosis, mutualism, astrobiology, network theory, old growth forests, time-space dimensions, martial arts, the inherent value of good.”

 

Films For Action

“Welcome to the largest video library for social change online. Started by a few friends in 2006, we’re a grassroots media library dedicated to empowering citizens with the information and perspectives essential to creating a more compassionate, sustainable, and democratic society.”

 

Brave New Films

“Our mission is to champion social justice issues by using a model of media, education, and grassroots volunteer involvement that inspires, empowers, motivates and teaches civic participation and makes a difference.

Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films are creating a better America, and we want you to join us. Using media, films, volunteers and internet video campaigns, Brave New Films has created a quick-strike capability that informs the public, challenges mainstream media with the truth, and motivates people to take action on social issues nationwide.”

 

NationSwell

“NationSwell is a new digital media company focused on high-quality stories about American renewal — about the new innovators, pioneers, and builders who are doing the most creative and impactful things to move America forward. We’re focused on identifying them, telling gripping stories about them, and mobilizing support behind them.”

 

OYR Frugal & Sustainable Organic Gardening

“I’m passionate about an approach to organic gardening that is frugal, easy, sustainable, and works with nature to achieve amazing results. My videos will help you grow more healthy organic fruits and vegetables, while working less and saving money. I don’t push gardening products. I don’t hype bogus “garden secrets”. I provide evidence-based strategies to help you grow a lot of food on a little land without spending much or working harder than you have to!”

 

Pivot

“Pivot is a television network from Participant Media (Lincoln, Spotlight, CITIZENFOUR, Food Inc., An Inconvenient Truth) that is dedicated to delivering entertainment that inspires and compels social change. With award-winning original programming (Please Like Me, Fortitude, Hit Record on TV with Joseph Gordon-Levitt), groundbreaking documentaries and exceptional films, you won’t just be entertained – you’ll be inspired to become a part of the story. When you watch Pivot, we’ll give you the opportunity to take action on the issues raised in our content right from your screen or during the next commercial break. With Pivot, what you watch does make a difference.”

 

Jack Johnson

“Jack Johnson on Vevo – Official Music Videos, Live Performances, Interviews and more….”

 

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

“Breaking news on a weekly basis. Sundays at 11 p.m. – only on HBO.
Subscribe to the “Last Week Tonight” channel for the latest videos from John Oliver and the LWT team.”

 

Democracy Now!

“Democracy Now! is an independent, global weekday news hour anchored by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. The show is broadcast on nearly 1,400 TV, radio and Internet stations.”

 

VICE

“Enlightening commentary, authoritative advice, and unique stories you won’t find anywhere else. Our immersive and ground-breaking storytelling has changed the way people think about culture, crime, art, parties, fashion, protest, the internet and other subjects that don’t even have names yet. Browse the library and discover corners of the world you never knew existed.”
 

Resources for Education and Inspiration:

Robin Greenfield’s Book Recommendations
50+ People to Listen to and Learn from
Films that Changed My Life
Nonprofits I Recommend and Support
Social Media Pages I Recommend to Follow
YouTube Channels I Recommend to Watch
Black Liberation Resources
Indigenous Sovereignty Resources