Live music tours are an exhilarating celebration of sound, community, and creativity. However, beneath the glittering stages and roaring crowds lies a harsh reality: globe-trotting tours are inherently unsustainable. From fuel-hungry trucks hauling gear to single-use plastic waste and fans traveling hundreds of miles, the environmental toll is staggering. But a growing number of artists, including Billie Eilish and Coldplay, are leading a transformative shift towards greener touring practices.
The Unsustainable Reality of Touring
The carbon footprint of a global music tour is immense. Consider the following:
- Gas-guzzling trucks transport massive amounts of equipment from city to city.
- Plastic waste from utensils, water bottles, and merchandise packaging piles up.
- Food waste contributes to methane emissions, while catering often relies on non-sustainable sourcing.
- Fans travel significant distances, typically in personal vehicles, adding to fossil fuel emissions.
- Single-use outfits and accessories from fast fashion brands exacerbate environmental damage.
While the challenges are significant, a wave of eco-conscious artists is proving that change is possible without compromising the magic of live performances.
Artists Leading the Charge: Billie Eilish and Coldplay
Billie Eilish: Setting a Green Example
Billie Eilish has partnered with the nonprofit organization Reverb to ensure her tours are as eco-friendly as possible. Her “Happier Than Ever” tour and the current “Hit Me Hard and Soft” tour exemplify sustainable innovation. Some of the measures Eilish has implemented include:
- Offering plant-based food options at venues.
- Permitting reusable water bottles to reduce single-use plastics.
- Enforcing a “no idling” policy for trucks and tour vehicles.
- Enhancing recycling measures and donating surplus catered food.
- Collecting and redistributing leftover hotel toiletries and camping gear from fans.
At each tour stop, fans are invited to explore an “Eco-Action Village,” where they connect with local organizations tackling climate issues. For example, Los Angeles concertgoers learned about Support+Feed, a nonprofit founded by Eilish’s mother to make plant-based food accessible, and Project Ropa, which reduces waste by providing clothing and hygiene essentials to those in need. Even the arena catered to the cause, offering an unprecedented variety of vegan options from beloved local vendors like Donut Friend and Monty’s Good Burger.
Coldplay: Innovating on a Grand Scale
Coldplay’s “Music of the Spheres” tour, the highest-grossing rock tour in history, is setting new standards for green touring. The band aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% compared to their 2016-2017 tour. Their innovative strategies include:
- Utilizing sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and commercial flights whenever possible.
- Distributing compostable LED wristbands to fans.
- Installing kinetic floors at venues that convert fan movement into energy.
- Planting one tree for every ticket sold.
Coldplay encourages fans to use low-carbon transportation methods, such as walking, biking, or public transit. Impressively, the band’s efforts have led to a 49% reduction in emissions from audience travel, as reported by post-show surveys.
Challenges and Innovations in Green Touring
While these initiatives are inspiring, some barriers remain. According to Matt Brennan, a professor of popular music at the University of Glasgow, the largest emissions from tours come from audience travel and venue operations. Despite these challenges, organizations like Reverb and consulting firms such as Hope Solutions are helping artists and venues adopt sustainable practices.
For example, during Eilish’s Los Angeles shows, Reverb provided complimentary park-and-ride buses to reduce individual car trips. Similarly, Coldplay’s 10-night residency at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2024 will be powered entirely by renewable energy—a world-first for a show of its size.
The Role of the Music Industry in Climate Advocacy
Experts emphasize that the music industry’s greatest asset in combating climate change is its influence. John Fernandez, co-founder of MIT Climate Machine, points out that while the industry’s carbon footprint is relatively small compared to other sectors, its ability to communicate and inspire action is immense. Popular artists like Billie Eilish and Coldplay have the platform to mobilize millions of fans worldwide.
“The music industry has a disproportionate power to influence and engage,” says Brennan. “Artists like Billie Eilish have incredibly loyal fan bases that are not only willing to listen but eager to take action.”
Balancing Costs and Sustainability
One of the major concerns for both artists and fans is the cost of implementing sustainable practices. However, many green measures can be cost-neutral or even save money in the long run. For instance, vegan food options at Eilish’s shows were priced the same as non-plant-based meals, and Coldplay’s commitment to absorbing sustainability costs ensures ticket prices remain accessible.
“The leading edge of sustainability may incur higher initial costs,” says Fernandez, “but as these practices become standard, prices will stabilize.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Sustainable Touring
While achieving zero carbon emissions in touring is currently unattainable, these pioneering efforts are laying the groundwork for a greener future. The ultimate goal is to integrate sustainable practices into every aspect of live music—from venue design to fan engagement—without sacrificing the joy and connection that concerts bring.
“One of the most beautiful aspects of being human is to express oneself through music,” Brennan notes. “It’s something that should be retained as we work to decarbonize.”
By championing sustainability, artists like Billie Eilish and Coldplay are not only reducing their environmental impact but also inspiring fans and the industry at large to rethink what’s possible. Their efforts remind us that, with collective action and innovative thinking, we can harmonize entertainment and environmental responsibility.
