4 Artists Who Are Striking a Harmonious Chord for a Greener World

Eco-consciousness and sustainability are no longer buzzwords. They are not only the need of the hour but also a way back to our traditional roots of living. 

Since climate change is becoming a grave issue by the day, musicians are stepping forward to drive concrete changes. Where green concerts were once unheard of, today they are gradually becoming the norm. 

This is happening due to subtle yet steady shifts across the industry. Nevertheless, four pioneers’ contributions towards sustainability in the music industry have been notable. They are also inspiring others to follow suit. This article will discuss those artists’ efforts in detail.  

The Need for Environmental Activism in the Music Industry 

With the music industry, it was never a matter of if but when sustainability initiatives would be implemented. This industry has always had a reputation for harming the environment. 

Live music events were even considered to be a ‘carbon sinner.’ From artist tours to concert venues, wastage and environmental degradation used to be the norm. As bad as all of this was, a new violation was discovered in 2020. 

Music artists began expressing their concerns regarding Teflon-coated guitar strings and piano keys. It is manufactured using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the same chemicals used in Class B firefighting foam or Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). 

TruLaw shares that AFFF is linked with various types of cancer and health risks. PFAS from the foam also make their way into the soil and water bodies, thereby contaminating the municipal water supply. 

As the word about PFAS exposure and dangers spread through the AFFF foam lawsuit, even those in the music industry paid attention. Since PFAS is to be completely banned from early 2026, artists may need a safer and equally effective replacement for guitar strings and piano keys. 

Given the disaster that has been brewing for decades, it's high time that music is generated and shared in a clean manner. Fortunately, music artists are taking the initiative to do their part and spread the word so others can do theirs. 

4 Artists Leading the Green Way 

A movement only takes its full shape when a few trendsetters lead the way. Let's look at the four chart-toppers in terms of sustainability in the music industry. 

Adele: Clean Water Initiatives 

The multi-million dollar artist, Adele, has not only won hearts with her soulful music but also philanthropic efforts. Her efforts are best noted for the clean water charity called Drop4Drop. 

The vision of this charity aligns with Adele’s mission: to create a positive impact on society. By supporting this charity, people can fund the construction of a dedicated well in underserved communities. 

With every successful project, the charity provides each donor with GPS coordinates, photos, personalized plaques, and a case study from the community’s members. Adele’s primary involvement in this charity has to do with advocacy and fundraising. 

Her role has enabled countless needy communities to experience the joy of having clean water. Such use of fame and fortune shows the potential for artists to bring about change beyond the realm of music. 

Billie Eilish: Veganism and Climate Change Awareness  

The immensely talented artist and songwriter, Billie Eilish, has also become a loud voice for change. Her main areas of influence under sustainability include veganism and awarenessabout climate change. 

Vox shares that this Gen-Z megastar has been a vegan for almost a decade. Besides nine Grammys, two Oscars, and two Golden Globes, she has added animal welfare and climate change activism to her achievements. 

Eilish started her journey by discussing her motives for veganism. Over the years, she has not hesitated to speak openly about the carbon footprint associated with meat production. She even uses her social media platforms to educate her audience about the environmental impact of animal agriculture. 

Through her music, she tries to shed light on climate change issues. One good example is the song titled ‘All the Good Girls Go to Hell.’ It features themes of environmental degradation as well as the consequences of inaction. Her large following allows her to have a meaningful impact, sparking conversations on climate change and animal welfare. 

Pharrell Williams: Sustainable Fashion 

If there is one musician whose influence has made waves in the industry in terms of sustainable fashion, it is Pharrell Williams. This American artist’s biggest break into sustainable fashion came through his brand, ‘Humanrace.’ 

Williams was himself found quoting how his brand designs essential tools for living and supporting good habits that benefit the mind, body, and spirit. It looked like it was only a matter of time before fashion was added into the mix. 

Another of his remarkable contributions includes the ‘RAW FOR THE OCEANS’ collection. This is truly revolutionary because it recreates the latest fashion trends using recycled plastic waste from the oceans. The waste is then used to design high-quality denim. 

His involvement sends the important message that sustainability is not an option, but the need of the hour. Besides such initiatives, Pharrell uses his social media platforms to support various environmental causes focused on climate change.

His unique position allows him to be the voice for change in two major industries. Both musicians and fashion enthusiasts have a compelling example to make eco-conscious choices in their lives and careers. 

Ed Sheeran: Sustainable Tour Practices 

This Halifax-born singer-songwriter is on his unique journey to sustainability. He is leading the way in terms of reducing the impact of fuel-guzzling tours. 

His smart tour planning came to light in 2022 when he minimized the number of flights for his European concert venues. As a result, his carbon footprint totaled less than 150 metric tonnes. 

On the other hand, Dua Lipa’s tour generated nearly 12 times more carbon emissions (1800 metric tons). Sheeran is also known for using biodiesel fuel for tour vehicles and applying waste reduction measures in concert venues. 

Recently, this successful artist has stepped into the space of sustainable fashion. His capsule collection aims to promote environmentally responsible choices. This further highlights his commitment to sustainability, encouraging fans to follow along the same route. 

We have simply discussed four prominent music artists who are setting an example from the sustainability viewpoint. Many are walking in their footsteps to influence concrete changes. 

Areas such as PFAS-free guitar strings or piano keys have been a matter of controversy. Some musicians were not willing to give up on the better playing experience that PFAS-coated strings offered. 

Thankfully, a majority are taking a stand against the toxic chemicals. Sustainable changes are expected to occur even in this area. The bottom line is that the music industry has come a long way from its former years of wastage. Since artists have created the first ripples, a promising sustainability revolution is peeking over the horizon.