Sustainability in the music industry can be achieved in concerts, festivals and beyond | Opinion
Tours and festivals leaving Nashville and going out into a post-pandemic world have an opportunity to reconsider our environmental footprint and how we can take part in achieving the goal set by the Paris Accords to make a carbon-neutral world by 2050.
Recent studies suggest that live music produces 405,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year. We know we must use our international influence to create a more sustainable industry and world.
So, how do we make a significant impact on the concert industry?
It’s no secret that sizable events leave a lasting impact on the environment, but there are now numerous ways to tap into sustainability in hopes of a greener future.
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Leverage your influence
Single-use plastics are one of the largest producers of waste at live events. One of my favorite projects I had the honor of working on was Brita’s Filter for Good campaign. In this collaborative effort, Brita leveraged their partnerships with artists like Dave Matthews Band and events like SWSX to get venues and event organizers to allow reusable water bottle use. The partnership significantly raised awareness of the cause and changed the behavior of both fans and industry partners.
Today, refillable water stations are included in most new venues, and many industry partners have committed to eliminating single-use plastics. Non-profits like BYOBottle.org continued to raise awareness and now that we’re back on the road, we must continue this momentum. We can leverage the power of music to raise awareness about the global impact of climate change and make real change.
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Be intentional in choosing your partners
When planning for tours, constantly look for ways to reduce waste. Insist on using merchandise made from recycled materials and providing compostable cups and cutlery in your efforts.
The industry has been shaken up. Many artists are looking for new partners to put them back on the road. When doing so, make your desire for a more sustainable experience known. Backstage, many touring catering companies offer alternative cutlery solutions such as biodegradable forks, spoons and knives, that sustainably reduce toxins and post-event clean-up.
The most environmentally friendly solution for every aspect of a show is impossible for one. When onboarding your team, make sure everyone knows that sustainability is a priority for you. You’ll be surprised by how many people in our industry share these values and will make significant contributions to help clear the path to a cleaner tour.
Stay informed on the latest technologies
Studies have revealed that the emissions from diesel generators at events are equivalent to adding 220,000 additional cars to the road each day.
Luckily, clean technology is becoming more accessible. I was recently made aware of Joule Case, which produces reusable, high-quality, grid-scale batteries to provide cleaner and safer power solutions. The batteries are long-lasting, easily transportable and eliminate the need for fossil fuel-powered generators.
Let’s be honest. No one will be attending live-music events as neighborhoods are in ruins due to the devastating effects that greenhouse gas emissions expose to our planet. By acting in the community, we can impact real change as we return to the road. In return, we get the creation of genuinely impactful events that leave long-lasting memories for both fans and artists everywhere.
Erin Parker, founder of Fog City Presents, is a 15-year music and events professional focusing on producing experiences that prioritize artists and their fans coming together to make memories that last a lifetime. Learn more about Fog City Presents at www.fogcitypresents.co.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Striving for sustainability within the music concert industry
