Beyond the Beats: How We Can Dance Towards a More Sustainable Future for Music
As music lovers, concerts are a source of joy and excitement for many of us. However, these events often come at a cost to the environment. The combination of large crowds, stages, and sound systems can have a significant impact on the environment. In this blog post, we will examine the environmental impact of concerts and offer some recommendations on how to reduce their negative impact.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
One of the most significant impacts of concerts is their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions are mostly caused by the transportation of concertgoers to the event and the energy required to power the stages and sound systems. According to the BBC, live music in the UK generated approximately 405,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. Most of those emissions can be attributed to venue operations and audience travel. Additionally, the use of generators and lighting contributed to around 50% of the total carbon emissions by festivals. When we factor in that the US economy is about 7 times the size of the UK economy, it’s reasonable to say that live music in the US generates FAR more greenhouse gas emissions than those in the UK.
Water Use
Concerts also require a significant amount of water, which is used for both drinking and non-drinking purposes like showering and cleaning after the event. The amount of water used during a concert depends on several factors, such as the duration of the event, the number of attendees, and the availability of water at the venue. However, an estimate by the Green Music Initiative suggests that a single concert can use up to 44,380 gallons of water per hour.
Waste
Concerts generate a vast amount of waste, including food waste, plastic cups and bottles, and discarded merchandise. While some of this waste is recycled, the vast majority ends up in landfills, where it contributes to pollution and other environmental problems. In fact, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival estimated that in 2015, 90,000 attendees generated about 679 tons of waste over the course of the 4-day festival. That’s 15 pounds of waste for each festival-goer!
Recommendations for Reducing Environmental Impact
While the environmental impact of concerts may seem daunting, there are ways to reduce their impact. For example, since greenhouse gas emissions are the largest contributor to climate change, here are two recommendations for reducing those greenhouse gas emissions at concerts:
Renewable Energy Sources
Concert organizers should consider using renewable energy sources to power the music stages and sound systems. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or biogas generators, generate electricity with minimal or no greenhouse gas emissions. The Netherlands-based DGTL Festival boasts the first circular festival which now uses 100% renewable energy for festival operations. The use of renewable energy could potentially significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, attracting the attention and praise of attendees.
Encouraging carpooling
One of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions at concerts is transportation. Concertgoers often travel to and from the venue individually, creating a significant amount of carbon emissions in the process. To reduce this impact, organizers should encourage carpooling by offering incentives for attendees that share rides. This includes free tickets, shuttle services, or even organizing cycling events. The Boise-based Treefort festival provides free public transport passes throughout the festival and strongly encourages biking, skating, and walking in the downtown area.
Concerts are an integral part of our culture and bring joy to millions of people around the world. However, their environmental impact is a growing concern, and organizers need to take steps to address these issues. By adopting more sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy sources and encouraging carpooling, we can reduce the negative impact of concerts on the environment. These changes will not only benefit the planet but will also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability by the music industry.
