, , ,

Case Study: A Voice Over Collaboration with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute

What Happens When an Environmental Organization Meets Voice Over for the Planet?

When an environmental nonprofit partners with a purpose-driven voice over collective like ours, powerful storytelling comes to life. Voice Over for the Planet had the privilege of collaborating with the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) on a fundraising video showcased at their 2025 gala—and the results were truly inspiring.

This project highlights how professional voice over can elevate nonprofit messaging, connect emotionally with audiences, and help organizations reach their fundraising goals. At Voice Over for the Planet, we’re passionate about using voice over as a tool for positive environmental impact, and this collaboration was a perfect example of that mission in action.

Making Professional Voice Over Accessible Through Buy One, Give One

Through our Buy One, Give One initiative, every paid voice over project funds a pro-bono voice over of equal scope for an environmental organization or nonprofit. This model allowed CCMI to receive high-quality, professional voice over services without worrying about budget limitations.

By removing that barrier, CCMI was able to focus fully on telling their story—sharing the urgency of their work, the hope behind their research, and the importance of donor support. The collaboration helped amplify their message, reach new supporters, and raise critical funds to continue developing solutions that heal the ocean.

Central Caribbean Marine Institute: Dedicated to Ocean Conservation

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute is committed to protecting and restoring coral reef ecosystems across the Caribbean. With a long-term vision centered on healthy, resilient oceans, CCMI has spent more than 25 years advancing marine conservation through scientific research, education, and community engagement.

Their work addresses major threats such as climate change, coral bleaching, and ecosystem degradation. By translating science into action, CCMI helps inform conservation strategies while inspiring individuals and communities to care for marine environments now and into the future.

“We raised the most we have ever raised since we started in 1998.”
— Abbie Dosell, Head of Fundraising & Engagement, CCMI

Lale Inceoglu’s Voice Over Performance: Grounded and Compassionate

CCMI was invited to choose the narrator for their video from the Voice Over for the Planet roster and selected Lale Inceoglu for her expressive, versatile voice over style. Her performance balanced warmth, credibility, and urgency—an ideal match for CCMI’s message.

Lale’s voice over brought clarity to complex environmental topics while remaining accessible and emotionally engaging. Her narration helped inform potential supporters and encouraged them to take meaningful action, proving how impactful the right voice over can be when paired with a strong mission.

Experience the Power of Voice Over

Take a moment to watch and listen to the full video below to see how professional voice over can strengthen storytelling, inspire generosity, and support organizations working to protect our planet.

Have a powerful mission but no voice over budget?
If you’re a nonprofit working to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you! Apply for a free professional voice over through our Give One program and let your story be heard the way it deserves to be.

,

Get your Hot, Hot, Hot Voice Overs!

That’s right! It’s summer!

…and you can bet that most—if not all—voiceovers recorded from home studios during these scorching months are done so by somewhat sweaty actors. It’s just facts, folks!

Since the voice actors here at Voice Over for the Planet are always thinking about the environment, you can rest assured we’re trying our best to stay cool in ways that have the lowest possible impact on warming the planet any further.

So, how do we stay healthy and cool in our recording booths and offices when the temps are rising?

Here are some ideas:

  • Stay Hydrated.
    Our number one suggestion is always to stay hydrated. A cool drink is both refreshing and essential! We aim for mostly uncaffeinated beverages since caffeine can be dehydrating—but let’s be real: coffee, matcha, tea, etc., are necessities for many of us! Just balance them with plenty of water (bonus points for a reusable water bottle).
  • Fans—Strategically Used.
    Yes, we use fans—but only between takes. Many home studios are acoustically treated but lack air conditioning or ventilation. A small, quiet fan or personal desktop air cooler can do wonders.  Just make sure it’s off during recording!
  • Shorter Sessions.
    Try breaking your recording into shorter sections, if possible. This allows you to crack the booth door open and let in some air between sessions. If you’re self-directing, take frequent mini-breaks. And if you’re working with a client, don’t be afraid to ask for a pause. Most are totally understanding—after all, you’re saving them a studio fee!
  • Cool, Damp Bandana.
    A lightly damp bandana (extra refreshing if you freeze it for a few minutes) around your neck can make a huge difference. It cools the blood near the surface of your skin and helps regulate body temperature.
  • Gadgets Galore!
    Voice actors love a good booth gadget. Some favorites include:

    • Wearable neck fans
    • Cooling vests
    • Mini portable AC units or evaporative coolers
    • Gel cooling packs (pop them in the freezer and drape over shoulders between sessions)
  • Go Light on Clothing.
    Let’s just say… it’s not uncommon to record in very light (or little) clothing (or pajamas, or workout wear) during summer. Comfort is key. Loose, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen can keep you from overheating. Was the voiceover your hearing recorded by someone in their underwear? Shhh, we’ll never tell!
  • Record Early or Late.
    If your schedule allows, try recording in the early morning or later in the evening when outside temperatures are lower. This is especially helpful in unventilated booths that trap heat during peak hours.
  • Green Your Cooling Game.
    Use fans with timers or solar power where you can. Switch to energy-efficient devices. And if you must use AC, make sure your home is well insulated so it works efficiently and doesn’t waste energy.
  • Bonus! Here’s a video from Jay Myers on his tips for voice actors to stay cool in the summer:

Final Thoughts: Keep Cool & Carry On

Recording voiceover during the hottest months of the year isn’t always glamorous, but it is doable with a little planning, creativity, and eco-conscious effort. At Voice Over for the Planet, we believe it’s possible to deliver hot reads while keeping our cool—and our carbon footprint—low.

So go ahead, request that summer campaign or sizzling narration. We’ve got the talent, the tenacity, and the sweatbands to make it happen.

Stay chill—and hydrated—out there!

 

 

 

, ,

Earth Day Is Every Day and We Give It a Voice: How Voice Over Can Inspire Action for the Planet

As Earth Day approaches, environmental content surges across media—some use voiceover and some don’t. But at Voice Over for the Planet, we believe a powerful voiceover doesn’t just tell a story—it can inspire action for the planet. 

Why Our Voices Matter

Audio connects with us emotionally in ways visuals alone can’t. Just think back to a voiceover that moved you—one that stirred empathy, urgency, or curiosity. That’s the power of voice: it taps into memory, emotion, and understanding.

That’s why we believe voiceover should be everywhere in environmental and social communication—from PSAs and explainer videos to e-learning, commercials, and political campaigns. These messages might spotlight sustainability projects, offer tips for greener living, or rally support and awareness for climate action. And with the right voice, they do more than inform—they resonate.

So check out how some great voiceovers by Voice Over for the Planet members have already elevated environmental messages. They’ve helped build trust, drive meaningful change, and added credibility to messages.

Voices that Inspire Change

1% for the Planet Anthem by Kenita Hill: This narration embodies Kenita’s passion for bringing awareness to critical issues like climate change and social impact, demonstrating her unique ability to connect deeply with listeners.

 

Community Solar Commercial in Spanish by Diana Holguin: Diana’s clear and inviting voice in Spanish ensures the message of sustainability and accessibility resonates deeply with the community.

“Tales from Cascadia” Film Trailer by Jay Myers: Jay’s warm, relatable voice lends a local touch to the trailer for this acclaimed ski film celebrating the stories, landscapes, and adventures of the Pacific Northwest.

These are just some of the projects voiced by our passionate talent, showing how voiceover can strike a chord with listeners by being engaging, energetic, informative and caring. Because as members of Voice Over for the Planet, we really do care! 

Earth Day is a Reminder

So whether the Earth Day message is urgent and passionate for climate crisis PSAs, warm and reassuring for e-learning on sustainable practices, or inspiring and hopeful for community success stories or fundraising campaigns, you can count on the voices at Voice Over the Planet to deliver.

On Earth Day, Earth Month or any day of the year, voice over can inspire action for the planet. And now’s the perfect time to amplify environmental messages with a professional voiceover!

Visit our YouTube channel to hear more examples of the range and diversity of our voice talent roster…

 

,

Voice Over for the Planet has signed the Clean Creatives Pledge!

Voice Over for the Planet signed the Clean Creatives pledge as part of our commitment to do good on this planet we call home! As the Clean Creatives slogan says, ” The future of creativity is clean,” and we’re 100% on board.

Who and what are Clean Creatives?

If you don’t know already, Clean Creatives is a movement of advertisers, PR professionals, their clients, and creatives like ourselves who have pledged to cut ties with fossil fuels. What does that mean exactly?

Glad you asked! Well, remember when cigarette makers deliberately misled the public about the dangers of smoking? It’s like that but for fossil fuels. Many ad and PR agencies work with fossil fuel companies to greenwash their message.  

Earlier this year, UN General Secretary António Guterres spoke about this in his World Environment Day address, saying, “I call on these companies to stop acting as enablers to planetary destruction. Fossil fuels are not only poisoning our planet, they’re toxic for your brand.”

Why was signing the Clean Creatives pledge important to us?

Well, we value the power of community and try to surround ourselves with people and organizations taking meaningful action to help change the tides of the climate crisis. So, signing this pledge was easy. We are now in great company with the 1250 agencies and 2300 creatives who have also signed the pledge!

A few of our VO4TP members had signed the pledge individually. We felt it was important to align ourselves with this movement as a collective as well.

We, as voice actors, could be sought out to provide the voice over for one of these greenwashing campaigns but we’re not interested. Not in being enablers or even in enabling the enablers. We’ve taken this pledge not only to say no to working with fossil fuel clients, but to say ‘YES’ to working with likeminded and concerned creatives on clean projects. Projects that will not mislead the public on this or any other climate related matter.

The whole reason for Voice Over for the Planet’s existence is to use our voices for good. We do this through our buy one give one model. We also love connecting and collaborating with amazing clients who want a cleaner and more sustainable world too. Helping fossil fuel companies continue to spread disinformation and greenwash their messages is not where it’s at. 

Join the Clean Creatives movement too!

If you are an ad agency or a creative with a passion for protecting the planet, you should come join the movement with us. Finding strength in community and working in alignment with your values goes a long way in confronting the realities of climate change. We are stronger together and we look forward to pledging and working with you!

You can sign the pledge here!

Green Your Work – Creating an eco-friendly workplace

by  DIANA HOLGUIN

Here at Voice Over for the Planet, we work hard just like you. We’re mostly in our home offices and recording booths but every so often we venture out to a studio. You might work from home too, have a hybrid setup, or clock in at a real-life company office every workday. Whatever your situation, work is one area in life where making some eco-friendly and sustainable changes is important and totally doable. Here I’ll share with you some ways that you can do this starting today. 

Let’s begin with office supplies. Who doesn’t love a well-stocked office supply closet, amiright? I’ve loved supply closets ever since I was a kid; neat stacks of boxes of pencils and staples, stacks of paper, bins of markers, paper clips, scissors, tissues, you name it. So how can we make this area a little more eco-friendly? 

  • If you use a printer, you can buy recycled paper, and if there is a print mistake or two or three, you can save those scraps to make little notepads instead of buying new ones. Better yet, don’t print if you don’t have to. 
  • Refillable ink cartridges are great too and not just for printers but also for pens! Try using a fountain pen. They may take a little getting used to but believe me, it opens you up to a whole new world of beautiful pens (and inks) that will last you a lifetime. 
  • Also, instead of going straight to a big chain store to buy supplies, take some time to research used office supplies (Buy Nothing Groups, Facebook Marketplace, etc). These are great if you need something random like a glue gun for a single project (I’ve personally never needed a glue gun, but you never know!). You don’t need to buy a brand new one… ask around and borrow it. Many communities have lending libraries for tools too. So, just do a bit of research first!

Now on to paper and recycling. Nowadays paper waste in offices is becoming less of a problem since so much has been digitized but when there is paper or cardboard or anything else recyclable coming out of your office or home, make sure to recycle it. It helps to get a refresher on what is recyclable or not in your area. Is it mixed recycling? Do you have to separate it? What other specific requirements are there for recycling in your area? 

Let’s save some energy! One thing we mentioned in our ‘Perfectly Imperfect’ blog post a few weeks back was switching off lights. It’s often forgotten but these little habits add up. 

  • Think about getting a motion sensor for lights in closets or infrequently used hallways or simply get in the habit of switching lights off even if they use energy-saving bulbs. 
  • For electronics, purchase energy-saving versions and even refurbished ones as well… or both!
  • Phantom energy is a real thing. Unplugging small appliances in your kitchen, for example, probably won’t make that much of a dent, but your computer, modem, monitor, TV, phone charger, etc. all consume a pretty considerable amount of energy even while not in use.

Now, let’s talk transportation. Whether you have to go into the office every day or not, you will at some point have to travel for work so it’s important to know your options. The fun thing about this one is trying something new that might be a lot of fun. If you have a car, I’m looking at you. Is there any way to ditch your car even from time to time? 

  • Public transportation – some cities have this down better than others so if you live somewhere that has a decent system then use it! It’s the best for people watching.
  • Biking – lots of cities are improving their bikeability by adding designated bike lanes. If it’s safe and accessible then give it a shot. Not only are you getting from point A to point B but you’re also getting some exercise.
  • Carpooling – consider asking around to see if anyone at your office would like to carpool even if only a few times a week. Think about any option to cut down on road time. If you can’t take public transportation all the way to work, then drive or carpool halfway to a station. You may save time and money by not parking so close to work.
  • Walking – this one is old school, I know, but have you considered taking a stroll instead of a drive? Weather and time permitting, this is my favorite one.

I saved the best for last. Plants! This is the literal greening of your work and while it may not help save the planet, think of it as the planet saving you. Plants have so many benefits to your work environment. They are proven to improve your mood and productivity and although newer studies say plants can’t actually purify air in an indoor space, they offer the perception of better air quality which energizes and motivates. A quick web search will tell you what plants are easiest to take care of and how. And worst case, if you do not possess a green thumb and your plants don’t thrive, you can compost them and try again.

This is not an exhaustive list of office eco-hacks but a small sampler of things that can easily be implemented today. I hope you found them useful or inspirational. There are a lot of resources online that go a lot deeper into how to implement green office policies in larger offices and really make an impact on office culture in regards to helping the environment. The added benefit here is education – if someone at an office is exposed to ways they can help the planet there then maybe they’ll start taking some steps at home too. What are some of your favorite ways to make your workplace greener? We would love to hear about them.

Sources:

https://www.wework.com/ideas/research-insights/expert-insights/benefits-of-indoor-plants-in-the-office

Find out more about Diana Holguin

Being Perfectly Imperfect

by  DIANA HOLGUIN

This month will be the anniversary of my 45th year on this planet. That’s a pretty long time. Enough to have learned a thing or two, forgotten some, and then had to relearn them. But of all the little bits of wisdom collected and knowledge acquired, I think the most valuable has been simply not being so hard on myself. Seems pretty basic, right? So basic and yet I’m pretty confident that you have also been too hard on yourself, at least once or twice.

Being hard on yourself can happen in all areas of life, but here I’ll address the realm of our personal sustainability and eco-friendly habits. If you’re reading this, I’d say you probably have some interest in saving the planet, and imperfect environmentalism is about all the little things we do to try and shift our habits to do less harm to the already hurting planet. This is one of the toughest areas to work on without being hard on yourself. But it’s not your fault!

The world around us is set up in a way that makes it nearly impossible to be perfect environmentalists with impeccable sustainability habits. Some of us fret over not having our reusable coffee cups on us when we need them, driving somewhere when we could have biked or taken public transportation, or scratching our heads wondering what can and can’t be recycled. And if we don’t fret then maybe we just give up altogether. This is too hard. I can’t do it. What’s the point, anyway? How much difference is one person going to make?

It’s frustrating, but being hard on ourselves when it comes to environmentalism isn’t our fault at all. Did you know oil companies have been thinking about this stuff since the 70s? According to an NPR article, one industry leader said that, “…selling recycling sold plastic, even if it wasn’t true.” So little of what we put in our recycling bins gets recycled and yet we feel the pressure to do it and do it… perfectly! Just like the oil and plastics industries, many have shifted the burden onto the shoulders of consumers as if we were the ones creating the problem. To quote Michael Grant, “We didn’t make this World, we’re just the poor fools who are living in it.”

So what’s the answer to all this? Aside from taking on oil and gas companies and all the other powers that directly put profits over our planet?

Just do what you can! And do it consistently and imperfectly. Tell your family and friends that you are imperfect AND you care about the planet enough to try on different sustainability habits; that might inspire them to try too. Our society’s expectations are set so high for any individual regarding environmentalism, beauty, success, [insert any area of life]. Trying to be perfect is completely unsustainable.

So with that, I leave you with some imperfect sustainability swaps and tips from our talented, planet-loving, tree-hugging voiceover roster. We admit we aren’t perfect but we try and we fail and we try again… because we care.

  • Dani tries hard not to buy berries in the ubiquitous plastic clamshell packaging but sometimes it’s the only way they’re sold.
  • Anne tries not to use the super energy-consuming dryer by line drying her laundry instead but hates how long it takes to hang.
  • Andy sometimes forgets to bring reusable produce bags when grocery shopping but when they have no choice and have to use them they make an effort to repurpose and reuse them.
  • Serge suffers from the age-old struggle of forgetting the reusable grocery bags at home. Who hasn’t been there!?
  • Ally has recently started making a conscious effort to switch lights off around the house. This is a classic but often overlooked eco-friendly habit!
  • Kenita has switched to bamboo toilet paper and toothpaste tablets. Sustainable and plastic-free!
  • Jay struggles to find sustainable and eco-conscious athletic and running attire so for now he tends to use the “big player” brands but is always on the lookout for better options.
  • Kari wants to compost but hasn’t taken the steps yet to put that into action. The VO4TP family has already volunteered to help her get started!
  • Joe hasn’t found a great replacement for regular ziploc bags so he and his family will wash and air dry them outside and reuse them until they inevitably break. The neighbors might think they’re weird but that won’t stop them!
  • I love to travel but I try to limit my airplane trips every year and I make every effort to only buy non-stop flights because as much as 50% of carbon emissions come from take-off and landing.

Perfection is the enemy of good and good is all we’re after because it’s better than nothing at all. If all of us do a good (not perfect) job at recycling, taking our reusable bags and produce bags when we go shopping, switching off lights when we leave the room, composting, being more mindful when (and if!) we shop, travel, eat and live, then we’ll all be better for it.

Sources:

How Big Oil Misled the Public into Believing Plastic Would be Recycled, NPR, September 11, 2020

Opinion: You are not the Problem – Climate Guilt is a Marketing Strategy, State of the Planet, Columbia Climate School, February 15, 2023

Find out more about Diana Holguin

Who is more environmentally concious – The USA or the EU?

Having had the unique opportunity to live on both sides of the Atlantic, I’ve observed firsthand the differing attitudes and practices towards environmental consciousness in the USA and the EU.

by Serge De Marre

Through my lens, I hope to shed light on the question: Who is more environmentally conscious?

Walkability: The European Advantage

European cities, with their compact urban planning, naturally lend themselves to walkability. The short distances and well-designed city centers encourage walking, reducing the reliance on cars. Contrast this with American cities, where expansive urban sprawl often makes car ownership not just a convenience but a necessity.

Public Transportation: A Clear Divide

The public transport systems in Europe are not only extensive but are embraced by all levels of society. Trains, metros, and buses form the backbone of urban and intercity travel. In the US, however, public transportation is often viewed as the last resort for those without car access. Cities like Houston are making efforts to improve, but resistance from car-centric cultures and infrastructural challenges persist.

Cycling and Sidewalk Infrastructure

Biking in European cities is not only facilitated by extensive bike lanes but also by a culture that respects cyclists. Sidewalks, well-maintained and ubiquitous, ensure that pedestrian travel is safe and enjoyable. This sharply contrasts with my experiences in Houston, where the cycling infrastructure faces significant challenges. Bike lanes are sporadic and often meet with opposition, while sidewalks can be in a state of disrepair or, surprisingly, even occupied by parked cars, further complicating pedestrian movement. This practice of parking on sidewalks not only highlights the dominance of car culture but also reflects a broader challenge in American cities, where the infrastructure and societal norms do not always support sustainable modes of transportation.

3 Sidewalks

The Automobile Dichotomy

The preference for smaller cars in Europe is evident, aligning with a greater environmental awareness and the practicalities of narrower streets. Meanwhile, the American love affair with large SUVs and trucks, often classified as “compact” by European standards, underscores a different set of values and lifestyle choices.

Grocery Shopping: A Bag for Every Item?

European grocery shopping habits also reveal a deeper consciousness towards waste reduction. The norm of packing items into a single reusable bag starkly contrasts with the American practice where convenience often leads to excessive plastic bag use, especially when I forget my reusable bag at home in Houston.

Final Thoughts

The question of who is more environmentally conscious isn’t about pointing fingers but understanding and learning from each other’s practices. It’s clear that both the USA and the EU have their strengths and areas for improvement. As someone who has lived in both regions, I believe the path to greater environmental sustainability lies not just in policies and infrastructure but in fostering a culture of awareness and responsibility

If you’d like to read more about this subject, here are some interesting articles:

Learn more about Serge De Marre