Sometime greenfluencer, sometime future politician as Young Energy Ambassador, representing Latvia, Marga is passionate about promoting the future of green living, and sharing her experiences travelling the world, creating content and encouraging positive change.

How did you become an environmentalist?

My journey into environmentalism was gradual and deeply personal. Growing up, I was always drawn to nature and adventure, but it wasn’t until I started travelling extensively that I saw the real impact of environmental degradation. Some pivotal moments for me were seeing whales in Alaska for the first time at the age of 18, “Educating people about sustainable practices but making it fun, spicy, relatable! Forget the preaching!” seeing tons of trash on remote Caribbean islands and filming my recent documentary, ‘Mangrowth’ where I witnessed firsthand the critical role mangroves play in protecting coastlines and supporting biodiversity. These projects deepened my commitment to environmental causes as I saw the direct connection between the health of these ecosystems and the livelihoods of the people who depend on them.

Have you always been ‘Green’? Or was there a ‘moment’?

I wasn’t always ‘green.’ My childhood was more about exploring and being curious than being an environmentalist. The real shift happened as an adult when my travels exposed me to the urgent issues facing our planet. It was a series of eye-opening experiences—like seeing the devastation of deforestation or plastic pollution up close and reflecting on my own journey as a travel influencer that ignited my passion for sustainability. Filming in Kenya, especially, made me realise that my voice could be a powerful tool in advocating for the environment through storytelling and media.

Any key turning points?

I reached a huge burnout in 2010, when I was at the peak of my social media influencer career. I was working with top chain hotels, fast fashion brands, being invited to prestigious press trips and events, however, having a big void in my heart knowing that my “influence” contributes to overconsumption, jealousy and degradation of the world, and I am not living my true passion and purpose. Having a degree in zoology and deep love for animals I just never believed that I could make a career out of it. Dropping my social media channels I went volunteering with penguins to South Africa, which started my journey in environmental documentary work, greenfluencing and raising awareness about environmental solutions.

If you had to pick one eco priority, which one would it be?

It is bridging the gap between science and creativity. Educating people about sustainable practices but making it fun, spicy, relatable! Forget the preaching! It’s about igniting a spark for them to want to get involved and learn more about the tools to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions. It is about making people believe that everyone can play a role in protecting our planet, whether through social media, content creation, or hands-on environmental work.

Are big brands really working towards a more sustainable future or is it a lot of ‘greenwashing’?

It’s a bit of both. Some brands are genuinely committed to sustainability and making significant strides in reducing their environmental impact, investing more in sustainability, supporting initiatives and more and more projects every year. However, there’s also a lot of greenwashing, where companies market themselves as eco-friendly without making substantial changes. Sustainability has to be the core of the business, not a section on the website! Transparency and accountability are key in distinguishing genuine efforts from mere marketing.

How did the trip to Kenya come about?

The trip to Kenya was born out of a desire to understand and document the environmental challenges and solutions firsthand. I was drawn to the region’s rich biodiversity and a nation that calls itself “green”. This trip wasn’t just about capturing footage; it was about immersing myself in the environment and bringing those stories to a broader audience. My biggest passion is switching on the “greenfluencing” movement in different parts of the world, the movement of content creation as a career is just starting over there so it is my goal to turn creators into eco leaders from the get go.

What’s the most shocking thing you’ve seen?

I spent seven years of my career creating shocking content about degradation, pollution, fires, oil spills, I am sure you have seen it all… through that I learned that “With the power of social media and digital platforms, we have unprecedented opportunities to reach and educate people worldwide quickly.” fear is something that blocks us from taking positive action, so right now the shock I prefer to spread is through raising awareness about environmental solutions and highlighting absolutely crazy ideas that people are inventing that will help us to come out of climate and pollution crisis, if that is what we focus on! Have you heard about plastic eating fungi or worms, what about algae that creates biofuel, electricity generated by foot steps in high traffic areas, fog harvesting? These are the stories I want to shock the world with!

Can we still educate people in time?

I believe we can, and we must. It’s about changing the narrative and making sustainability a compelling story that people want to be part of. Every piece of content I create aims to inspire and inform, showing that positive change is possible and necessary. The clock is ticking, but by engaging hearts and minds, we can drive a global shift towards a more sustainable future.

What did you learn there?

In Kenya, I learned about the resilience of both nature and people. The communities I worked with taught me the power of local action and the profound impact that dedicated conservation efforts can have. I have learned to slow down, learned to appreciate earth and nature, learned how important it is to talk about my anxiety as a privileged person and to commit more people on the other side to hold on to nature instead of trying to dive deeper into efficiency, productivity and this desire that we all have here, to produce without being seasonal in our operations.

 

“My heart is scattered across the places I’ve worked in, from the mangrove forests of Kenya to the creative hubs in Europe.“

 

Life motto?

‘Live consciously, create passionately, and act boldly.’ This motto drives everything I do, from my travels and documentaries to my educational programs. It’s about working on my ego, truly supporting people from the heart, allowing time to study my impact before turning to yet another exciting project, using creativity to inspire change, and taking decisive action to make a difference. It’s a call to live in alignment with our values and to use our unique talents to contribute to a better world.

What would you advise to people looking to follow in your footsteps?

Start by finding what truly excites you about environmentalism and then use your unique skills and voice to make a difference. Whether it’s through photography, writing, or social media, there’s a place for your voice in the conversation. Be persistent, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The journey will be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding when you see the positive impact of your efforts. People who are interested in pursuing creative environmental careers can join my online educational programs where I teach everyone what one needs to start eco projects and to be able to share green stories, from concepts to pitching to brands. My team is truly there for you to help you succeed!

What prompted you to become a Young Energy Ambassador for the European Commission?

Ha! I always thought politics was not for me, I mean look at me — this creative freak in parliament? Well, I guess every voice can make a shift! I was selected to join the program, representing my country, Latvia. And very soon learned that true impact is made through policymaking. This is where I can bridge the gap between science and creativity! I am all in! Advocating for sustainable and efficient energy solutions that are both innovative and inclusive is so important to me, considering how many communities I have visited that live without knowing what electricity is.

In another life I would have been?

… A giraffe

Favourite emoji? 😊

Where is home now?

Home has become a bit of a fluid concept for me. I’ve spent so much time on the road, exploring different parts of the world, especially in Kenya where I’ve connected deeply with the local communities and ecosystems. While I’m originally from Latvia, I’ve become more of a global citizen, living wherever my environmental projects take me. I have been calling Portugal home for the last three years and this is where I started my environmental media company, Behind the Greens.

Follow @margreenie and @behindthegreensmedia