The Sound of Sustainability
It’s not news to us that music is inspiring. Today, music, powered by technological innovation, is not just expanding our reach—it’s driving profound and meaningful change. The music industry is increasingly becoming a powerful force in tackling many impending social issues and one of them is the fight against climate change. In no specific order, here are 10 artists advocating for a greener world.
1. Coldplay
Coldplay isn’t just creating incredible music; they are making an extraordinary impact on the world. With their Music of the Spheres World Tour, they’ve set a new standard for sustainable touring, proving that big shows can have a smaller carbon footprint.
After the release of their album Everyday Life in 2019, the band paused touring to rethink their environmental impact. In 2021, the band committed to reducing their tour’s CO2 emissions by 50%. Utilizing 100% renewable energy, solar panels and kinetic dance floors that convert fans’ dance moves into electricity, they are truly revolutionizing live music. They are planting one tree for every ticket sold and have eliminated single-use plastics. Furthermore, their merch, crafted from organic and recycled materials, exemplifies their dedication to sustainability.
Coldplay’s innovative practices, like reusable LED wristbands and plant-based food options, show that sustainability can be seamless — and fun. As a result, in June 2024, the sustainability advocates reported a 59% reduction in the tour’s direct CO2 emissions compared to their previous stadium tour in 2016/2017, surpassing their commitment.
Through partnerships with organizations like The Ocean Cleanup and ClientEarth, Coldplay is amplifying global climate efforts. Their message is clear: ‘Music and Mother Earth can thrive together’, setting an example for the industry.
2. Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish is not just a music sensation , she’s a climate champion. As a staunch advocate for climate action, the American singer-songwriter partnered with REVERB to make her tours eco-friendly by eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable practices. Her 2022 tour saw the launch of the “Overheated” climate awareness event with panels and discussions on sustainability.
The ‘What was I made for?’ hit maker’s commitment to climate action doesn’t stop there. She supports the youth-led climate strike movement, inspired by Greta Thunberg, and urges her fans to join the fight against climate change. Her ‘Where do we go?’ tour was a testament to sustainable touring, with plat-based food options and “Eco-villages” educating fans about environmental issues.
As a vocal advocate for veganism, Eilish highlights the environmental benefits of a plant-based diet. She’s collaborated with organisations like Greenpeace and NRDC to amplify climate action messages. On social media, Eilish uses her platform to raise awareness and push for accountability from corporations and governments.
In the documentary ‘Billie Eilish: The World’s a Little Blurry’, the singer’s eco-conscious efforts are evident. She has ensured her merchandise is sustainably produced by partnering with brands that prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices. Through her activism, Billie Eilish inspires us to take meaningful steps towards a greener future.
3. Dave Matthews Band
For over two decades, Dave Matthews Band have been delivering killer grooves while rocking sustainability, making them one of the greatest bands in the biz. Since 2005, DMB has been carbon-neutral, offsetting tour emissions through reforestation and renewable energy projects. They’ve teamed up with The Nature Conservancy and REVERB to eliminate single-use plastics, promote recycling, and set up “Eco-Villages” at concerts to educate fans.
Their Bama Works Fund supports environmental and social justice causes, from clean energy to conservation. Even their merch is eco-friendly, made from organic and recycled materials. Frontman Dave Matthews is a vocal advocate for climate action, urging fans to carpool, bike, and live sustainably. With every show, they’re proving that music can be a force for good—for the planet and the people.
4. Neil Young
Neil Young is a legendary musician and a fearless environmental advocate. For decades, he’s combined activism with artistry, tackling climate change, industrial farming, and fossil fuel greed through his music, like the album ‘The Monsanto Years’ and the anthem ‘Be the Rain’. He even converted a 1959 Lincoln Continental into the Lincvolt, a hybrid electric car.
Young opposes the fossil fuel industry and champions Indigenous rights through campaigns like Honor the Earth. He’s fought against the Alberta tar sands and Keystone XL pipeline, calling them a ‘war on the Earth’.
Living his values, Young powers his home with solar energy and promotes sustainable farming and ethical
consumerism. Through music, activism, and documentaries like ‘Seeding Fear’, he fuels a global movement for a greener, fairer world.
5. Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson, is the king of laid-back tunes as well as a carbon-offsetting superstar. Through his All At Once initiative and eco-friendly tours, he offsets 100% of tour emissions, powers concerts with renewable energy, and bans single-use plastics. Fans are encouraged to carpool, bike, or use public transport, with merch that’s all organic and recycled.
All At Once connects fans with non-profits tackling plastic pollution and climate action, while donating ticket sales to environmental causes. His Kokua Hawaii Foundation promotes eco-education, from plastic-free schools to organic gardens.
A true advocate, Johnson lives sustainably, driving electric cars, supporting local agriculture, and producing documentaries like ‘The Smog of the Sea’. With his music and actions, he’s inspiring a global movement—one chord, one fan, and one green choice at a time.
6. Grimes
Grimes is pushing musical boundaries through reimagining a sustainable future. Known for her avant-garde style and visionary ideas Claire Boucher (aka Grimes) is a trailblazer in blending art with environmental activism.
Her music and public statements often explore dystopian themes, shining a light on climate change and the need for sustainable practices. She’s teamed up with organizations like Carbon180 to champion carbon removal and innovative climate solutions.
As a fashion icon with a green twist, Grimes rocks outfits made from recycled materials and supports
eco-conscious designers. On social media, she’s a vocal advocate, urging fans to take action and embrace
sustainable living.
From exploring AI-driven climate solutions to reducing her own carbon footprint, Grimes is proof that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand.
7. Radiohead
Radiohead, led by Thom Yorke, is also pioneering sustainability in the music industry. Since the early 2000s, they’ve championed carbon-neutral tours, renewable energy, waste reduction, and emission offsets through reforestation projects. Collaborating with Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace, they are pushing policy changes and raising awareness.
Their eco-friendly merch and digital music releases reduce carbon footprints, showcasing their innovation.
Yorke’s advocacy, including his role in the UK Climate Change Act 2008, underscores their environmental
commitment. Through benefit concerts, educational campaigns, and personal renewable energy commitments, Radiohead inspires fans to join the fight for a greener world.
8. Pearl Jam
Talking about the OGs, Pearl Jam, the legendary rock band, is a climate action pioneer. Since 2003, they’ve consistently achieved carbon neutrality by offsetting tour emissions through reforestation, renewable energy, and energy efficiency projects. Teaming up with Conservation International and Forterra, they’ve amplified their environmental impact.
Frontman Eddie Vedder and the band advocate for climate action, pushing for policy changes and supporting environmental causes. Through benefit concerts and educational campaigns, Pearl Jam inspires fans to join the fight for a sustainable future.
9. Jaden Smith
Jaden Smith is trailblazing an eco-friendly lifestyle. In 2015, the ‘Karate Kid’ co-founded Just Water, delivering ethically sourced spring water in plant-based packaging to tackle plastic waste. A passionate vegan, Jaden champions plant-based diets to reduce greenhouse gases, deforestation, and water waste.
As a green influencer, Jaden spreads the word on climate change, plastic pollution, and sustainable living through social media. He supports innovative projects in renewable energy and cutting-edge tech. Through the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation, Jaden backs environmental and social causes, proving sustainability and community resilience go hand in hand. His music and actions are inspiring a global movement for a greener, fairer world.
10. The 1975
The 1975, fronted by Matty Healy, are on a mission to save the planet with their catchy tunes. In 2019, they released a track featuring Greta Thunberg, with proceeds going to Extinction Rebellion. Subsequently their 2020 album, ‘Notes on a Conditional Form’, highlights themes of activism and environmental urgency.
Additionally, teaming up with organizations like ClientEarth, The 1975 pushes for systemic change. On tour, they focus on sustainability, reducing waste and energy use, as well as encouraging eco-friendly lifestyles and activism among fans. From the stage to the streets, The 1975 is proving that music can be a force for change.
Honourable Mentions!
Lil Dicky made headlines in 2019 with his star-packed anthem “Earth”, featuring Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The song wasn’t just a bop—it raised awareness and funds for the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and other eco-charities. Plus, his LD Foundation tackles climate change through education, reforestation, and clean energy. Talk about a global impact!
Pharrell Williams is turning fashion green, one thread at a time. He co-founded Bionic Yarn, creating fabrics from recycled ocean plastic, and teamed up with G-Star RAW for eco-friendly denim. Additionally, his ‘RAW for the Oceans’ campaign fights plastic pollution, while his music and style shout sustainability. Pharrell’s a true pioneer in blending fashion with environmental action.
Adele may certainly keep it low-key, but her eco-efforts speak volumes! During her 2016-2017 world tour, she ditched single-use plastics, encouraged recycling, and made sustainability a backstage priority. Her quiet yet impactful approach shows that even small changes can make a big difference.
These artists are blending creativity, mindful use of technology and humanitarian actions reminding us that we all have a role to play!
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