In an industry of excess and exuberance, it’s hard to believe that we can have a discussion about sustainability. Our industry is founded on grandiosity and extravagance. Audiences spend top dollar for larger-than-life productions and jaw-dropping performances. There is no doubt that our industry can be wasteful, particularly in terms of energy and resources. Larger concerts require several truckloads of equipment and infrastructure which generate a significant amount of waste. The carbon footprint produced by luxury transportation of artists alone is staggering. That’s not to say that we can’t make changes to reduce the harmful impacts that we have upon our environment while still bringing joy to the people. There are several ways in which our industry can reduce our wastefulness and pollution. For example, artists, technicians, and venues can choose to use more sustainable materials and practices, such as LED lighting and recycled products, and by changing our consumption habits. It takes everyone working together to solve the climate crisis. Avoiding plastic water bottles on the tour bus is great, but it’s not enough. The power of the collective is what’s going to create real change. Our first line of defense here, is a Green Rider.
What is a Green Rider?
A green rider is a set of environmental requirements and preferences that artists and their teams can include in their performance contracts. These requirements can include requests for sustainable practices and products, and they are becoming increasingly common in the concert touring industry.
The best example of a green rider is the one used by the Dave Matthews Band. The band has been committed to environmental sustainability for over a decade, and their green rider reflects this commitment. Their rider includes a request for organic and locally sourced food, reusable water bottles, and a composting system for food waste. The band also requires that the venue provide recycling bins and energy-efficient lighting.
A more recent example of a green rider comes from Coldplay. Coldplay has pledged not to tour until they could do so in a more sustainable way. Their rider includes requests for eco-friendly products such as recycled paper, non-toxic cleaning products, and renewable energy sources for the venue’s power supply. Coldplay has gone so far as to include a dancefloor that generates electricity when fans jump up and down and pedal power at the venues. The band also encourages the use of public transportation or electric vehicles for transportation to and from the concert venue in their rider.
What’s on a Green Rider?
Simply put, a green rider is just a declaration that this artist will be working to reduce their environmental impact by making simple requests of the venues and festivals. Here is a short list of some of the requests.
- Reduce carbon footprint. Reducing dependance on diesel and gasoline generators is one area our industry is somewhat behind. To reduce waste, artists can request renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power for their concerts and limit plastic and single-use items at their shows. Several tours have requested they offset their emissions by planting one tree for every ticket sold. Green riders also institute and promote a no idling policy for any vehicles serving the show. Connecting busses and trucks to shore power, no idling, using hybrid and electric vehicles, measuring show power and only pulling only what is needed makes a huge impact.
- Use sustainable materials. Artists can request sustainable materials like bamboo, recycled paper, and organic cotton to be used instead of plastic for venue operations. A green rider can encourage going paperless wherever possible by utilizing digital communication and reusable signage. Green riders can request that venues do not distribute plastic bags, plastic straws, while encouraging non-breakable, reusable water bottles. Confetti is one of the places where we can make real change most easily. Avoiding plastic confetti and using 100% biodegradable papers requires fewer resources and less compressed gas for ignition. There is not enough space in this article to discuss how harmful microplastic glitter is.
- Reduce consumption. Green riders can request that venues do not purchase any new items for hospitality like mirrors, furniture, towels, coffee pots, etc. If new items must be purchased, they can request that a plan is in place to reuse these products after their show. They request that if the venue creates any welcome signage specific to the tour, that they plan to upcycle or reuse these products. Some riders even prefer to forego any signage in exchange for a donation to a local charity. One of my favorite recommendations comes from David Davidian, Tour Manager for Alice Cooper and Hollywood Vampires. He says that artists often receive gifts like flowers, alcohol, etc. Flowers can often be donated to local children’s hospitals, while alcohol bottles can be autographed and auctioned at charity events to raise money for green organizations.
- Promote public transportation. Audience travel makes up a major part of any tour’s carbon emissions. Encouraging fans to use public transportation or carpooling to get to the concerts can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the entire event. Bands like Coldplay have even partnered with third parties to develop free tour apps that encourages fans to use low carbon transport to and from shows. Fans who commit to low-carbon travel are often given a discount code for tickets and merch. Certain venues currently offer free, or preferential parking to carpools of four or more.
- Minimize food waste. Concerts generate a lot of food waste due to catering and concessions. The carbon emissions of food can account for up to 20% of a person’s carbon footprint. By promoting plant-based eating, concert touring can contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting healthier food choices. Artists can choose eco-friendly caterers and donate any leftover food to local charities. Billie Eilish partnered with Support + Feed and Wicked Kitchen to provide information on how to best help the climate in the healthiest ways.
The nonprofit organization Greenpeace partnered with Coldplay to promote plant-based eating during the band’s A Head Full of Dreams tour. Greenpeace provided educational materials and resources about plant-based diets to concertgoers, and Coldplay encouraged their fans to reduce their meat consumption.
How Can We Help?
There are several organizations like Overdrive Rocks, Zap Concepts, Reverb, Effect Partners, and Hope Solutions that help live events, tours, concerts, and venues with cleaner and more efficient energy options. One of the organizations leading the charge is the Music Sustainability Association. MSA is providing a framework for industry-wide action and systemic change. Production managers can easily consult with these experts prior to a tour going out. MSA’s green rider provides a perfect example of how we can still tour without wasting necessary resources and bringing live music to the masses.
Reach Chris Lose at close@plsn.com
