Beyond the beats and melodies, there’s a side of the music industry we often overlook – its impact on the environment.
From powering massive concerts to making vinyl records, music can create a lot of waste. We’re going to shed light on this issue and explore how concertgoers can make a positive change.
Incorporate Renewable Energy
Music festivals generate tens of thousands of megawatts of electricity over a single weekend, which is about the same as a small city. This outrageously high electricity usage creates a large carbon footprint and has garnered criticism for its over-consumption of power.
Many outdoor concerts are powered by gas generators that emit harmful pollutants into our atmosphere.
One alternative is solar energy. Some festivals have already begun using a combination of solar panels and diesel generators as they work their way toward being completely photovoltaic. That said, recording studios can also implement smaller-scale solutions such as portable solar panels to help reduce their power consumption.
Avoid Plastic Waste
Power consumption isn’t the only problem. Live concerts and non-stop touring have a major effect on environmental waste, causing a dire need for reform. Many major music festivals in the United States, like Coachella, Desert Trip, and Stagecoach, generate about 100 tons of waste per day, according to the BBC. UK festivals are even worse, producing a whopping 23,500 tons of rubber annually, with two-thirds being sent to landfills.
Festivals are notorious for litter being trashed around – from plastics to discarded ponchos and wristbands.
That said, consumers can take steps to reduce plastic waste. While it may seem cumbersome, it can go a long way to promoting the health of our ecosystem.
Concertgoers can bring reusable water bottles and food containers. When disposing of food or snacks, use the designated reclining bins to dispose of plastic packaging properly.
Address Music Playbacks
The music industry has a ravishing fan base of audiophiles known to collect vinyl records. However, they’re made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a type of plastic that uses fossil fuels to produce and releases harmful toxins into the environment.
When streaming music, the music tracks are stored on servers maintained by streaming platforms. Streaming music requires continuous data transmission and playback, contributing to energy consumption with each play. When it comes to electronic usage, the issue should be addressed by the entertainment industry and on a judicial level. Vinyl record producers can incorporate sustainable materials like recycled or biodegradable plastics.
Streaming platforms can prioritize using renewable energy to power their servers and data centers to reduce their carbon footprint. The government may incentivize and support artists and music companies to adopt sustainable practices.
Wrapping It Up
Live concerts, vinyl records, and non-stop touring are some of the major problems that are attributed to environmental waste. This causes a dire need for reform.
Influencers, musicians, and venues have a responsibility to put sustainability at the forefront of their mission. Many artists like Coldplay, Ellie Goulding, Radiohead, and Massive Attack have already spoken out about the climate crisis and have been strong advocates for change as they often donate a portion of their tour proceeds to the cause. While profits are important, so is the well-being of our planet.
