Bands Hitting the Green Notes
Sumayal Shrestha on July 23rd, 2009
Breaking guitars, flaming stages and road tours with a large carbon footprint is totally not their style. They bike 500 miles to their solar-powered recording studio, they are veggie-eating locavores, and their instruments are energy efficient, recycled and even made from fallen trees. The idea of “living the life of a rock-star” is taking a fresh green turn as bands like The Giving Tree Band are committing to “keep nature clean for future generations.”
The Giving Tree Band, represents an increasing number of North American musicians like Carbonfund.org partner The Duhks, who walk their talk by reducing what they can and offsetting what they can’t. To fulfill their sustainability goals, the GreenDuhks project was launched to educate concertgoers on the small things they can do to make a big difference. Their Sprinter van serves as a mobile billboard that encourages viewers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Despite the financial challenges, grassroots bands are actively taking the path set by bigger names like Pearl Jam and Radiohead. Hard-rock bands such as Pearl Jam have shown their soft spot for the environment by touring in biodiesel fueled vehicles and donating to organizations specializing in climate change and renewable energy. Radiohead recently refused to perform at a venue in England that it felt wasn’t accessible by public transportation. The band also took steps to reduce its carbon emission by limiting their equipment on tour, using LED lights and refillable water bottles.
“If you make a stand for something, people are going to pay attention,” said Allie Herzog of The Duhks.
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