What else we have to do raise awareness about the musical impact?

Today is a great day to talk about this topic! Just because today is the World Environment Day. Since the year 1974 it has been celebrated every year on 5th June: engaging governments, businesses, celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts on a pressing environmental issue that involves every single of us mate!

More than tens of millions of people are attending (per year) music festivals worldwide. As the well-known problem (massive festivals avoid) of music festivals, which are in remote areas off the grid, music festivals must rely on importing power, rather than connecting to pre-established energy grids. Most often, this means trucking in massive, diesel-powered generators to provide round-

The number of platforms who are working on this large problem (AGF, FWRD, )

Many festival organisers have acknowledged the growing concern for the environment as a result of the festival period, organisers are now exploring ways in which they can produce a more environmentally friendly festival. Glastonbury festival in particular have a green policy in place which vows to reduce negative impacts on the environment where possible, the procedures that have been put in place include:

1. ‘Reduce, reuse and recycle’ – Encouraging festival-goers not to bring items that will end up in Landfill (or that they aren’t able) to take back home with them. In 2014 50% of waste was recycled. However, in the year 2016 Glastonbury
aims to recycle 60% of all waste generated in five full festival days.

2. ‘A tent is for life not just for a festival’ – Encouraging people to spend a little more money on a tent that is going to last you rather than leaving it behind for volunteers to dispose of.

3. ‘Taking energy directly from the sun to the stage’ – Glastonbury have introduced solar power and green technology. Certain areas of the festival will now be powered by sun or wind, reducing the need for diesel generators.

4. ‘We love trees’ – Since Glastonbury 32th edition we have planted over 10,000 native trees and hedge plants in the local environment, working hard to protect vulnerable habitats like badger sets, ponds, streams, hedges, ditches...

5. ‘Creating nature reserves’ – Amongst the partners of the festival is BWB Consulting Limited. A company that ranks high amongst the UK's leading development consultant, providing environmental solutions for complex and challenging projects.

A rubbish pile around the camp randomly captured

Unfortunately, though music festivals may be the lifeblood of the electronic music industry (and the music industry as a whole), and though they might be one of this generation’s greatest bastions from the bullshit of the world, energy consumption and emissions from these events is a serious factor that is often overlooked there.

Wasted left in Glastonbury festival (2016)

More and more artist are talking about it. The first one was Robert Redford in the '80s followed by Harrison Ford and Leonardo DiCaprio. Since 2006 the number of famous people who has been sticking up for global warming is increasing. Musical artist Bon Jovi or Chris Martin have defended it. Massive Attack are taking part on it. Moby is (even more) fully aware because a nonproper youthfulnes. Björk is an activist artist. A visually awareness alma mater born from natura. Just like Arca or Rosalía.

Björk, Arca and Rosalía

Nowadays there are some festivals. Specially the renowned dutch DGTL is taking this thread seriously. Green Gathering, firstly established in Chepstow, is a nationwide network for green lovers and thinkers. Scottish T In the Park just cancelled three years ago. Another big one is the Serbian music event EXIT whose owners are highly aware of the music impact on environment. Three left more from Spain. PARAÍSO was real hit with only two editions. It offers environmental volunteers to help in the capital. Primavera Sound established in Barcelona in 2001. And the second one: Cruïlla (in the top5 for me) also in Barcelona is committed to sustainability with more than ten years awareness pioneers in the country. A full festival of sound and fury signified nothing.

Can't forget US festivals such as Electric Forest with an Electricology program. Another good example to get a spot in the peacemaker Heaven where every greeny soul belongs to. We remember the line-up from the very first edition:

Electric Forest 2011 poster design

We are so happy about the promising future of music industry events which care about the Planet Earth that the only thing we can say now is to THINK ABOUT THIS TIME MATE!

Blessings for all,

HR