Eco-Friendly Animation: Sustainable Practices in 2D/3D Video Production

Author: Bob Mar 14, 2024 8 min read

Animation and the environment co-exist and influence our future. Believe it or not, every industry takes part in forming negative and positive changes around us: the air we breathe, the landscapes we enjoy, and the price we pay for technology employment, including video production. The production of a single movie like Mad Max: Fury Roads generates approximately 2,840 tonnes of carbon dioxide and endangers filming locations.  

The great news is that businesses, including worldwide brands, are turning to eco-friendly animations that educate and inspire people to make correct choices and prioritize sustainable technologies. Today, we will discuss types of environmental animation, their benefits, and sustainable practices. 

Let’s create an animation that breathes with an eco-friendly theme together!

What is Sustainability Video and Animation and The Reasons Behind It 

sustainability animation

As you might have already guessed, the rise of sustainability production is derived from the urgency to save us and Mother Earth from pollution that influences our quality of life. More and more businesses are willing to create marketing campaigns, promotional videos, and app explainers that talk “green.” 

So, what is a sustainability video or animation? Sustainability in video and animation is described as the integration of environmentally friendly practices, natural themes, and ethical considerations into the creative story. It involves minimizing environmental impact, promoting eco-friendly solutions like solar and wind energy, and advocating for positive change through visual storytelling.

The main reasons behind the focus on sustainability include environmental degradation, climate change, and resource depletion. Now, businesses and creators are increasingly worried about their carbon footprint and seek to reduce it through eco-friendly production practices, green technologies, and sustainable storytelling.

Types of Environmental Animation

There are different types of sustainable animations produced in the 2D and 3D styles, and every type has its motifs and story behind it:

  • Clean Energy Animations

The increasing demand for saving electricity consumption and adopting natural power resources has brought clean energy animation to life. Through vibrant visuals and engaging storytelling, these animations simplify the understanding of solar, wind, hydro, and other forms of clean energy. Viewers are taken on a journey where they learn about the benefits of sustainable energy solutions and how they contribute to future generations

  • Technology Explainer Videos

By visualizing how technology shapes our world, green explainer videos empower viewers to embrace innovation and adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Technology explainer videos serve as educational tools for technology enthusiasts, students, and professionals who want to adopt the latest advancements.

  • Sustainability Cartoons for Kids

Sustainability cartoons for kids infuse fun and entertainment with valuable lessons on environmental conservation and sustainability. Usually, these funny and kind animations feature lovable characters on eco-friendly adventures, teaching young audiences the importance of preserving nature and kindly treating the world around us. Through playful storytelling and colorful animations, children learn about recycling, conservation of resources, and protecting wildlife animals.

  • Pitch Deck Video

When infused with sustainability themes, pitch deck 2D and 3D videos emphasize the value of eco-friendly practices and highlight the benefits of sustainable solutions. Whether pitching a green startup or promoting environmentally conscious campaigns, pitch deck videos with green elements resonate with stakeholders and investors who prioritize ethical and sustainable business practices.

  • Environmental Awareness Animations

From climate change and deforestation to plastic pollution and biodiversity conservation, these animations shed light on global challenges and inspire viewers to take positive steps towards sustainability.

At Wow-How, we value the impact of natural-themed animation and continuously increase our expertise in 2D and 3D video production.

Do you have an idea for sustainable animation? Contact us, and let’s create a 2D/3D story together!

How to Produce a Sustainable 2D and 3D Animation: Green Production Guide

green production guide

Looking at existing sustainability problems in the animation industry, it is essential to apply eco-friendly materials and electricity-saving programming tools to create awesome videos with low carbon footprints. As we enter 2024, dozens of animation and film studios seek to contribute to animation sustainability and new green production methods. 

Let’s explore the essential steps and practices to produce green animation:

  1. Pre-production Planning. The foundation of sustainable animation production lies in meticulous pre-production planning. It involves defining clear objectives, a storyboard, and choosing the sustainability theme for the project.
  2. Resource Management. Best worldwide practices show that reducing waste and energy consumption is essential. Only by improving its own working methods can a studio create a real green cartoon or sustainable story. It includes:

– Utilizing cloud-based storage for files to minimize paper usage and lower carbon footprint;

– Choosing energy-efficient equipment and software to decrease energy consumption during production.

  1. Work on the Narrative. While working on the environmental animation, clearly defined components of the story are essential:

 – Conveying environmental messages is applied through a strong depiction of a problem in a simple manner. The storyline must highlight the cause and the effect. The visual part should lead the audience to the possible consequences of human actions.

Character creation. Character is the anchor point of the storyline that interacts with the environment and motivates the audience.

  1. Come Up with an Eco-friendly Design. Eco-friendly design practices use recyclable or biodegradable materials for physical props and models when creating animations. In 2D animations, the main focus stays on digital assets to reduce the need for physical resources. 
  2. Virtual Production Techniques. Exploring virtual production techniques that minimize the need for physical sets and locations benefits eco-friendly production. Utilizing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools to simulate environments and scenes reduces the carbon footprint associated with travel and set construction.

Audience Engagement: Benefits of Eco-Friendly Video Production

eco friendly animation

Sustainable animation has the power to educate and inspire audiences about environmental issues in a visually engaging way. By incorporating eco-friendly messaging into animations, viewers can learn about important sustainability concepts while being entertained.

  • Educating and Inspiring Action

One of the key benefits of environmental sustainability animations is their ability to educate and inspire action. By presenting complex environmental issues in a visually stimulating and accessible format, these videos break down our barriers to understanding the problem and making informed choices.

  • Rising Conversations and Awareness

Environmental sustainability videos and animations serve as catalysts for conversations and awareness around pressing environmental issues. By shedding light on topics such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, videos encourage viewers to reflect on the impact of their actions on the planet.

  • Building Brand Trust and Loyalty

Businesses incorporate sustainability themes into their videos and animations not only to showcase their commitment to social responsibility but also to build trust and loyalty with their audience. Viewers are more likely to resonate with brands that align with their values and demonstrate a genuine concern for the environment.

  • Driving Engagement and Social Impact

Environmental sustainability videos and animations have the power to drive engagement and create social impact on a larger scale. The audience discussions extend beyond the screen, inspiring true action and positive societal change.

Eco-Friendly Use Cases in Animation 2023-2024

As we look back at 2023 and embrace the new potential of 2024 technologies, we see that the integration of eco-friendly practices has started to shape the way production companies approach their craft and contribute to a more sustainable industry.

Voices of Galaxy

Samsung presented its series called Voices of Galaxy to raise awareness of sustainability. The company believes that preserving the environment is the responsibility of the whole planet. 

The Lonely Shark

This animated short cartoon was filmed for Greenpeace’s global campaign against shark hunting. By implementing this 3D animation, the company not only sent an emotional message but also eliminated the need for a location set and reduced carbon emissions. 

Goodman Solar Systems

This animated 3D video promotes future sustainability, where solar panels promise a greener future. The compelling voiceover engages and leads the viewer to a new future that corresponds to the changing needs of people and the planet.

Migrants 

This award-winning CG animated short film tells the story of polar bears and the cause of climate change. The beautiful animation transcends the charm of stop-motion animation with allegorical themes.

Eco-friendly and inspiring animations require the hard work of a professional animation studio, from the idea, materials generation, and illustration to post-production

Final Thoughts

As technology advances, the future of sustainability video and animation holds exciting possibilities. Innovations such as virtual reality, interactive storytelling, and data visualization are shaping the next generation of eco-friendly animations, offering new ways to engage audiences and drive meaningful impact for a more sustainable future.

Our Wow-How team is interested in procuring a better future for our planet and the production industry overall by implementing sustainable practices into video production and creating eco-friendly animations for your marketing campaigns. 

Let’s contribute to sustainability. Let’s talk “green”!

Share:

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Stars 0 / 5. Votes 0

Be the first to rate!

Share:

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Stars 0 / 5. Votes 0

Be the first to rate!

Related Stories