It’s hard to think of a concert as a green event simply because of the amounts of energy it guzzles into putting up a song and dance show. From the heaps of plastic used to feed and hydrate the audience (almost always left behind to resemble a site of carnage), the pamphlets that are barely given more than a glance before they are discarded immediately, the sheer amount of sound and light equipment need only be imagined to set back attempts at reducing carbon footprint by decades. This is why the concept of a green music festival is a great way to understand how a large musical extravaganza need not be harmful to the environment.
Green music festival
1. Rothbury Festival , Rothbury, Michigan, US
Rothbury Festival
The Rothbury Festival is set up on the belief that if you do attract a crowd, well, use that for greater good. With two Greener Festival awards so far, and a contender for 2009’s Greenest Festival, this idea definitely seems to have hit a note somewhere. The four-day jam band music festival is held on the 4th July weekend since 2008. Artists who have been involved with the Rothbury Festival are the Dave Matthews Band, Widespread Panic, John Mayer and Phil Lesh and Friends.
The Rothbury Festival squeezes in plenty of time between the 70 odd band setup over 4 days for the audiences to participate in activities and discussions that promote sustainability and work towards a greener, cleaner environment and economy. Along with Think Tank, where scientists, artists and celebrities mingle with the festival-goers to discuss a greener tomorrow, the festival also offers audiences a chance to camp and see theatre and cultural performances that happen all across the venue.
2. Øya Festival , Norway
Øya Festival
The Øya Festival makes it to this list hands down because of its location. Set in a medieval park, the festival is surrounded by the mystical beaches of Norway. A few miles away is the capital Oslo where city life and Norwegian culture are both at offer. Along with music, there’s also plenty to take in between gigs. Some may even suggest a dip in the local beaches. The music lovers can also paddle through in the waters, while enjoying the serene beauty of nature.
. 3. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival , Manchester, Tennessee, USA
Bonnaroo Festival
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Bonnaroo that celebrated 10 years this June, can sell itself based on its eclectic artists itself. Arcade Fire sings side by side with Kanye West and Tom Petty with Nine Inch Nails. This music festival features in the Rolling Stone as one of the 50 moments in rock history that changed it all. This annual four day festival is staged at Green Stage Park in Manchester, Tenessee.
Besides being a festival that incorporates jazz with indie, world music with hip hop and even features reggae, blue grass and gospel on the same platform as electronica, it is set in nature’s lap right amidst a 700 acre farm. The festival is also a great way to come across unique products by artists from far and wide.
There’s also plenty of food, drinks and entertainment to keep one contented for the four days that one is at the Bonnaroo. Far away from mass manufactured junk and sustaining its green venue, Bonnaroo is a chance to come across some great music even as one learns to appreciate nature and going green.
4. Glastonbury Festival, United Kingdom
Glastonbury Festival
When one of the biggest music festivals well known internationally adopts a green policy, the world's music goers are bound to sit up and listen. Besides keeping 1000 volunteers who ensure the venue stays clean, the "leave no trace" policy adopted by its organizers makes sure that any rubbish possibly created at the venue can be optimally recycled. If this isn't enough, the festival also employs a team that ensures that every last bit of waste is disposed off in the right manner.
5. Coachella, California, US
Coachella Music Festival
Music festivals are a great way to come across various cultures and to be introduced to unique and innovative products. Coachella may be new and not quite in the big league but that doesn’t deter it from becoming popular. The chief reason for the high praises it receives are the unique products that are exhibited at this festival.
Each product surrounding the festival is an attempt at making sustainable products and recycling. Rumour has it, it might even involve recycling trashcans. But as of now, some of the coolest products to have been used at this festival involve solar powered DJ booths and cell phone chargers that are powered by bikes.
6. Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Colorado, US
Telluride Bluegrass Festival
It may seem like a small deal with its emphasis on roots music and may not garner as much attention as say, a rock n roll festival but Telluride Bluegrass Festival even has its own music genre. From its inception, Telluride has always looked at creating a sustainable environment; its emphasis on camping and the benefits of it is one indicator of their support for the cause. A major contribution towards making concerts green is Telluride’s policy of prohibiting campers/festival-goers from bringing their cars into the towns that host the festival.
7. Fuji Rock Festival, Japan
Fuji Rock Festival
Held in one of the famous landmarks across the world, the Fuji Rock Festival hosts over 50,000 festival goers from across the world. With a grooving set list, the festival offers great music and a chance to appreciate it while taking in the picturesque scenes that surround the seven venues that the festival is typically held in.
However, the icing on the cake is the festival’s title as the cleanest festival in the world. With innovative ideas and sustainability being its priority, the Japanese have come up with a way to make vacationing and attending concerts both a green process that leaves no carbon footprint whatsoever!
8. Lightning In a Bottle, California, US
Lightning In a Bottle
Besides hosting the latest and the most varied artist in the contemporary music scene, Lightning in a Bottle treats its festival goers as intelligent souls who should care for the environment. Each visitor is given the opportunity to attend workshops and contemplate (maybe even initiate) new ways to create and maintain a green lifestyle. Don’t let the lights fool you, they are powered by biodiesel power generators and the art installations that surround the venue are created to increase awareness about renewable energy sources.
9. Bestival – Isle of Whight, United Kingdom
Bestival – Isle of Whight
Along with a radio and a big inflatable Big Love church, Bestival is also a champion of eco-friendly practices. Throughout the festival, attendees are encouraged to use public transport, buy local produce instead of indulging in plastic bottles of water and packaged food. The festival is run on alternate energy sources and the organizers have come up with innovative ways to dispose off waste that is created during the festival. And to keep their attempts going strong, the festival even has a green team.
10. 10,000 Lakes Music Festival, Minnesota, US
10,000 Lakes Music Festival
The 10,000 Lakes Music Festival expects its audiences to be responsible. Including the festival goers, the organizers plans of being environment friendly has clearly proved to be successful at this festival as over 50 tons has been recycled over the years. The garbage turnout has also been a minuscule number. Did we even mention the amazing artists who attend this festival so far?
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