American alternative rock performer and creator of the billboard number one single ‘Bad guy’ Billie Eilish has forged a path through the music industry to raise awareness for more sustainable and community-minded touring practices.
In June 2022 during the UK leg of her tour, Eilish launched Overheated, a documentary and series of climate focused sessions. Events ran over six days with profits from ticket sales going to Support + Feed and REVERB. According to the website, sessions brought together speakers from the food, fashion and music industries to discuss ‘green practices in the music industry, the benefits of a plant-based diet, the methods of sustainable fashion, and the actions taken to mitigate climate change.’
Working with environmental not-for-profit REVERB, Eilish also implemented simple climate focused initiatives during her 2022/2023 tour. Single use plastic water bottles were removed from sale, attendees could select plant-based food options, vinyl and clothing merchandise made from recycled materials were available for sale and no plastic bags were offered for purchases.
Impressed by her efforts, The Universal Music Group (UMG) and REVERB awarded Eillish their first Amplify Award. This new award was created to recognise “commitment to, and achievement of, measurable steps to reduce their environmental footprint and support nonprofit causes through direct fan engagement at shows, online and beyond.”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 04: Billie Eilish attends Sir Lucian Grainge’s 2023 Artist Showcase, Presented By Merz Aesthestics’ Xperience+ and Coke Studio” at Milk Studios Los Angeles on February 04, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Universal Music Group)
Sir Lucian Grainge, UMG Chairman and CEO said Eilish’s “stellar example and active leadership has inspired us to transform our own events as a company.”
Accepting the award Eilish said, "I am very impressed and excited about what you are actually doing to make sustainability a priority. It's really important. We all can do our part."
Australians working in our domestic music industry understand they have a very important part to play to reduce impacts on the environment and encourage ticket holders to attend events mindfully. Feat, an Australian artist-supported organisation that invests in solar to assist artists offset emissions, estimates an Australian tour of 15 shows will emit as much as 28,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
Berish Bilander, chief executive officer at Green Music Australia told SBS News, artists - particularly those playing large world tours - have a duty to try to reduce the emissions from their tours. He said, year on year, artists have a responsibility to try to account for their emissions impact, offset anything that can't be avoided and aim to reduce the balance of their emissions. Green Music Australia is a registered charity that provides the music industry with tools and support to improve their environmental impact.
With performers like Billie Eilish gaining fan support for more sustainable events, industry participants have been encouraged to establish greener practices. Let’s keep supporting efforts at events so these become mainstream.
Make your next concert or festival greener:
Take a reusable drink bottle
Use public transport or share a ride with friends
Planning an event? Check out Green Music Australia’s tips.
Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.