Sustainable and Eco-friendly Practices in the Music Industry
Sustainability is becoming a topic of discussion within the music industry, here's how.

In an age where environmental awareness is at the forefront, every industry must adapt and move towards the practices required to take care of our already ravaged planet. Since its inception, music has been a source of inspiration for activism and environmental issues.

With such a significant influence, the music industry is on the path to change, adopting sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact. From the transition from CDs to digital music on streaming platforms to promoting green initiatives at festivals, music is taking a big step toward a more sustainable future.

In this article, we take a deep dive into the realm of sustainable and eco-friendly practices within the music business highlighting the positive changes being made to protect the planet we all share. So be ready to explore green initiatives, artists becoming greener, and active sustainable efforts that are shaping a brighter, greener tomorrow!

CDs to Digital Streaming Platforms and Eco-friendly Vinyls

One unavoidable fact is that physical copies, CDs in particular, are not being produced at the same rate as in the past. With the rise of streaming platforms, the public has moved to new ways of listening to their favorite artists. As a result, the production of CDs has been drastically reduced which is translated into less plastic waste in the environment, less effort to produce them, and fewer emissions to transport them.

However, it does not stop there and the environmental impact can also be seen in the production of vinyl. Although it may seem a thing from past ages, it’s not news that vinyl production has gained momentum in recent years. Its resurgence has led to sustainable ways to manufacture pieces of vinyl such as using recycled vinyl, lowering PVC content, and even implementing eco-friendly packaging.

As you can notice, the shift from physical CDs to digital streaming platforms and rethinking the vinyl production process have had a profound impact on reducing the environmental footprint.

Greening Festivals and Events

Due to they consist of large masses of people gathered all together, music festivals or concerts are always synonyms for huge amounts of waste. What is even worse, is the vast volume of energy consumed to carry them out.

Fortunately, festival organizers realized how harmful these common practices have been and are encouraging a positive change that involves increasing sustainable alternatives and spreading them through music events.

As a result, many festivals are implementing comprehensive recycling programs, banning single-use plastics, and providing water refill stations to reduce plastic bottle waste. Furthermore, some festivals are now harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to power stages and infrastructure.

Although this last alternative consists of an enormous effort, it effectively reduces the carbon footprint and environmental impact. Today, it may be hard to believe, but music festivals are making significant strides toward a greener future. These festivals are embracing sustainable practices and taking giant leaps in the right direction.

Sustainable Touring and Green Riders

Needless to say, touring is an integral part of the music industry and for musicians but it also contributes to high carbon emissions and resource consumption. In response to that, many artists and their touring staff are looking for new ways to reduce the environmental impact.

One major uprising-friendly practice is to adopt the use of electric or biodiesel vehicles to reduce the energy consumption on buses. Nevertheless, is quite difficult for most artists due to it means a lot of investment in transportation. As an alternative, the ESNS festival in the Netherlands presents Green Touring Support. This initiative encourages artists and bands to take the train by bridging the financial gap between their normal plans and their sustainable travel plans.

Another sustainable policy is incorporating Green Riders into the artist’s contracts. While a rider is a document including all the requirements an artist needs to perform in a venue, a Green Rider is a contract that specifies sustainable requirements for performances. It covers several key aspects, including the energy source used to power the concert, waste management practices, the artist's food choices, the elimination of single-use plastics, the minimization of printouts for concert promotion, the use of sustainable paper options, and the promotion of recycling and composting initiatives.

As more and more artists gradually adopt these initiatives, they are not only reducing the environmental impact of touring but also encouraging venues and suppliers to adopt sustainable practices, driving positive change across the industry.

Artists Becoming More Eco-Friendly

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices have raised importance in recent years due to the commitment of famous groups who moved to the green side. Thanks to this action, influential figures have made a point and demonstrated the importance of environmental sustainability to their audience.

The best-known case is Coldplay’s intention to carry out a sustainable tour. In 2019 when they released the album Everyday Life, the lead singer Chris Martin claimed that they won’t be touring until they create an eco-friendly tour. The band members declared they wanted to reduce single-use plastic at shows and make them largely solar-powered.

Another great example is the popular young pop musician Billie Eilish, who planned a green tour. She decided not to use plastic straws and asked people to bring refillable water bottles. What is more, she designated a special area for climate change education. As a result, Billie's active leadership inspired the industry to change future events.

Sustainable Merchandise and Packaging

Likewise touring and performing, merchandise plays an important role in the music industry and the career of artists. Nonetheless, we mustn't forget that it contributes to waste and environmental degradation.

To tackle this issue, artists decide to opt for sustainable merchandise options. Among the most common choices, we have recycled fabric or organic cotton to manufacture pieces of clothes and other merchandise items. In addition, there’s a trend of utilizing recycled materials in the packaging. By using organic and fair-trade materials, the artists help minimize packaging waste.

The Role of Reverb Organization

Although artists are interested in environmentally friendly initiatives, they might not have the proper tools, supplies, or knowledge to face them. Fortunately, one organization at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the music industry is Reverb.

Working closely with musicians and their teams, Reverb provides guidance and resources to implement environmentally friendly practices on tours, backstage, and in recording studios. They assist in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and carbon offsetting initiatives, ensuring that the music industry continues to make progress in sustainability. Through partnerships and educational initiatives, Reverb amplifies the industry's collective impact on the environment.

Final Thoughts

The music industry's commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through a wide number of programs and actions that reduce its negative impact on the environment. The music business is moving towards a greener future through a variety of initiatives such as moving from physical CDs to digital platforms, using eco-friendly vinyl, greening festivals, using sustainable touring methods, and marketing eco-friendly products.

To conclude we want to mention that much of the positive change is being driven by artists, fans, festivals, and groups like Reverb. By continuing to make sustainability a priority, the music industry can influence and set an example for other industries, helping to create a more sustainable environment for future generations.