Many books, movies, and television series have long explored the devastating consequences of environmental neglect and the urgent need for conservation. These stories often serve as cautionary tales, imagining futures shaped by climate change, pollution, deforestation, and resource scarcity. Through their speculative lenses, they emphasize the critical importance of taking action before it’s too late.

Films like Wall-E, for instance, depict a future Earth abandoned and overrun by waste, where robots are left to clean up the mess humanity left behind. In its poignant silence and stunning visuals (YES, you heard me – poignant silence), Wall-E reminds us that our current trajectory could lead to a world devoid of natural beauty, life, and human connection.

Television shows such as The Expanse delve even deeper into the sociopolitical consequences of environmental degradation. In the series, Earth is overpopulated and reliant on basic assistance from a bloated, bureaucratic government, while humanity has spread into the solar system in search of new resources. Environmental collapse is a backdrop to the tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, subtly drawing parallels to current global inequalities and the exploitation of both people and planets. The show raises compelling questions about responsibility, sustainability, and the ethical implications of expansion without reform.

Other stories like Snowpiercer take a darker approach, imagining a world devastated by a failed climate experiment that plunges the planet into a new ice age. The remnants of humanity survive aboard a perpetually moving train, where rigid class divisions mirror the environmental justice issues of today. The film, and its later TV adaptation, critiques how environmental disaster often disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized. Similarly, Okja, a film by Bong Joon-ho, presents a more intimate story of corporate greed and animal exploitation through the journey of a young girl trying to rescue a genetically modified super-pig. The film questions the ethics of factory farming and the commodification of nature.

AppleTVs show, Severence…

Even animated series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and its sequel The Legend of Korra integrate themes of environmental stewardship. The former’s depiction of the Fire Nation’s industrialization and its impact on the Earth Kingdom’s natural balance is a metaphor for real-world exploitation of natural resources. These series blend fantasy and reality, offering younger audiences accessible yet impactful messages about respecting the planet. By telling these stories across different genres and mediums, creators inspire awareness and action, urging us to imagine—and fight for—a better, greener future before the warnings of fiction become reality.

Video games have a massive and passionate following within the geek community, and they’ve emerged as an unexpected yet powerful medium for promoting conservation awareness. With their immersive storytelling, interactive gameplay, and emotional engagement, games can connect players to environmental issues in a way that’s both educational and deeply personal. More and more developers are weaving ecological themes into their worlds—not just as a backdrop, but as central elements of the gameplay experience.

Titles like Journey and Never Alone are perfect examples. Journey, with its vast, windswept deserts and silent exploration, evokes a deep reverence for nature and solitude, subtly nudging players to reflect on the fragility of the world around them. Never Alone, developed in collaboration with Iñupiat storytellers and elders, shares the wisdom and environmental values of Indigenous Alaskan culture. By navigating the harsh but beautiful Arctic landscape, players learn about interconnectedness and survival in harmony with nature.

Other games go even further in exploring environmental collapse and the impact of human actions. ABZÛ, from the art director of Journey, takes players underwater to explore a vibrant ocean teeming with life—and sometimes devoid of it—highlighting the beauty of marine ecosystems and the threats they face. In Endling: Extinction is Forever, players take on the role of the last mother fox on Earth, guiding her cubs through a devastated world shaped by pollution and human encroachment. It’s an emotional, heart-wrenching journey that delivers a clear message about extinction and the cost of environmental apathy.

Even major franchises have embraced environmental storytelling. Horizon Zero Dawn presents a lush, post-apocalyptic world where nature has reclaimed cities, and players must unravel the story of a civilization undone by its own technological excess. It’s a sci-fi epic, but at its core lies a clear commentary on sustainability, ecological balance, and the consequences of ignoring climate warning signs.

By drawing players into richly imagined worlds that mirror our own challenges, these games do more than entertain—they build empathy, spark curiosity, and inspire action. The interactive nature of gaming creates a unique space where conservation isn’t just a message, but something players actively engage with. It’s storytelling with stakes, agency, and heart—and it’s helping to build a new generation of eco-conscious geeks.

Cosplay—the vibrant, creative heart of geek culture—is more than just dressing up; it’s a form of self-expression, storytelling, and community connection. But like many forms of crafting and fashion, cosplay can have an environmental footprint. The good news? A growing number of cosplayers are leading the charge toward sustainability, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice creativity for consciousness.

Eco-friendly cosplay is all about making intentional choices. Many creators are turning to recycled or upcycled materials, transforming old clothing, thrift store finds, and scrap fabric into jaw-dropping costumes. From reusing EVA foam from past builds to repurposing plastic packaging for armor pieces, these eco-savvy makers are breathing new life into discarded materials. It’s not just budget-friendly—it’s planet-friendly, too.

Ethically sourced fabrics are also gaining popularity in the cosplay world. Materials like organic cotton, bamboo, and even innovative textiles made from recycled ocean plastic are being woven into costume designs. Some cosplayers choose to hand-stitch and dye their own fabrics using natural dyes, reducing reliance on mass-produced, chemically treated materials. These practices don’t just lower environmental impact—they add a layer of craftsmanship and authenticity to the final creation.

Beyond materials, sustainable cosplay includes practices like minimizing waste, using non-toxic adhesives and paints, and sharing tips and tutorials on low-impact crafting. Online communities and eco-cosplay hashtags are blossoming, giving artists a platform to showcase their green creations and inspire others to do the same. Even costume swaps and repair sessions at conventions are gaining traction, encouraging reuse and collaboration.

By embracing eco-conscious methods, cosplayers are proving that sustainability and self-expression can go hand in hand. They’re showing that geek culture doesn’t just reflect the stories we love—it can also shape the future we want to live in. So whether you’re channeling your favorite hero, villain, or intergalactic space rebel, doing it with care for the Earth adds an extra layer of power to your cosplay.