Green Touring: Guide to Sustainability for Artists on the Road
As the music industry increasingly embraces sustainability, touring artists are finding innovative ways to minimise their environmental impact. From eco-friendly travel options to ethical merchandise, the journey towards a greener tour requires thoughtful planning and commitment.
Why Sustainability Matters for Touring Artists
Touring is a cornerstone of the music industry, but it comes with a significant environmental footprint. The carbon emissions from travel, waste generated at venues, and the production of merchandise all contribute to the industry's impact on the planet. As artists, you have the power to influence fans and the broader community, making your commitment to sustainability not only essential for the environment but also for inspiring positive change.
Focus Areas
Travel and Transportation
Go Green: Opt for sustainable travel options such as trains or buses instead of planes whenever possible. Electric or hybrid vehicles for shorter distances can also significantly reduce carbon emissions. Car share as much as possible.
Tour Routing: Plan your tour efficiently to minimise travel distances between venues. This not only reduces fuel consumption but also saves time and costs.
Offsetting Carbon Emissions: Partner with organisations that offer carbon offset programs. Invest in renewable energy projects or reforestation initiatives to compensate for the emissions generated by your tour.
Venues and Accommodation
Eco-Friendly Venues: Choose venues that prioritise sustainability. Look for those with energy-efficient lighting, reusable serveware programs, waste reduction programs, and a commitment to using renewable energy sources.
Green Accommodation: Select hotels and lodgings that follow sustainable practices, such as energy and water conservation, waste management, and sourcing local and organic food.
Waste Management
Zero-Waste Initiatives: Implement zero-waste practices at your shows. Provide recycling and composting stations, and avoid single-use plastics by using reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
Digital Tickets: Reduce paper waste by offering digital ticketing options. Encourage fans to use mobile tickets and reduce the need for printed materials.
Writs Bands: Do you need them? Is there a workaround? Can you use a stamp instead?
Ethical Merchandise
Sustainable Materials: Choose merchandise made from organic, recycled, or sustainable materials. Avoid fast fashion and prioritise quality over quantity.
Fair Trade: Ensure that your merchandise is ethically produced, supporting fair wages and safe working conditions for all involved in the supply chain.
Local Production: Source merchandise locally to reduce shipping emissions and support local economies. Collaborate with local artisans and businesses for unique, eco-friendly products.
Items that will be used: Get creative and sell merch that helps people care for the environment such as water bottles, keep cups and tote bags. With clothing can you design items in uni-sex to reduce the number of stock and sizes required to be purchased which reduces wastage.
Engaging Fans and Raising Awareness
Education and Outreach: Use your platform to educate fans about sustainability. Share your efforts and tips on social media, during shows, and through your website.
Green Initiatives: Encourage fans to participate in green initiatives, such as carpooling to shows, bringing reusable water bottles, and supporting local environmental causes.
Collaborations
Work with local regeneration, community and environmental charities helping promote and support their causes through your audience.
Measuring Your Impact
Tracking and measuring your sustainability efforts is crucial for continuous improvement and transparency. Here’s what you can measure:
Carbon Footprint: Use carbon calculators to record the emissions from travel, accommodation, and energy use. Earthed can help calculate these emissions.
Waste Generation: Monitor the amount of waste produced at each show. Work with venues to track recycling, composting, and landfill contributions.
Energy Consumption: Record energy usage at venues and accommodation. Look for ways to reduce consumption and switch to renewable energy sources.
Merchandise Impact: Evaluate the environmental and social impact of your merchandise. Track the materials used, production processes, and transportation emissions.
Sustainability is an ongoing journey. Continuously seek new ways to reduce your environmental impact and engage your team and fans. Stay informed about the latest green technologies and practices, and be open to adapting your strategies as you learn and grow.
Touring sustainably is not a trend; it's a responsibility and an opportunity to lead by example. By making conscious choices about travel, venues, waste management, and merchandise, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint. Your commitment to sustainability can inspire fans and fellow artists, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the music industry and beyond.