Headstash

Myth vs. Fact: Green In The Scene

You may have noticed them at the back of the venue or under a tent at a festival, handing out pamphlets, asking you to sign a petition or offering to help you improve your lifestyle.

These volunteers are an integral part of the jam band experience and whether you know it or not, they have affected the way you live and listen to music. Groups like Rock the Earth have worked to raise awareness of issues that are important to music fans and to get people involved in activities on the local and national scenes.

How much do you know about these non-profits? Headstash breaks down this world of carbon footprints, recycling and sustainable living to help clarify the facts and dispel the myths.

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Myth: Rock the Earth just wants your signature.

Fact: Rock the Earth’s mission is to get music fans and musicians to support environmental goals throughout the United States.

Rock the Earth at Umphrey's McGee's Brooklyn, NY show - Photo Courtesy of Rock the Earth

They pride themselves on their ability to actually affect change rather than simply asking listeners to sign petitions. By hiring lawyers and scientists, Rock the Earth fights against the government and private industry.

[FOLLOW Rock the Earth on Facebook.]

“We’ll bring litigation when it’s necessary to fight for particular decisions,” said Marc Ross, the founder and executive director of Rock the Earth. “We get people not only inspired to take action in their own lives . . . but to make [better] consumer decisions or recycling or the products they buy.”

Rock the Earth is constantly on the lookout for more volunteers and supporters.

“Fighting the power costs a lot of money,” Ross added.

 

Myth: Jam bands may preach their eco-friendly attitudes, but few actually do anything about it.

Rock the Earth in Minneapolis - Photo Courtesy of Rock the Earth

Fact:  Many of jam bands biggest names are also involved in these movements, including Bob Weir, Warren Haynes, John Butler and Michael Franti.

Having the support of famous musicians not only helps bring notoriety to the cause, it also allows musicians an outlet to bring awareness to causes important to them.

Recently, bluegrass rockers, Railroad Earth have worked to protect areas of the Appalachian Trail with Rock the Earth.

 

Myth: Jam Cruise is a green way to congregate with jam band fans outside of the summer months.

Fact: Cruises like Jam Cruise are surprisingly environmentally unfriendly.

“Unfortunately a lot of fans and a lot of bands don’t even understand that a cruise system is a like a floating city without a real sewage system and smokestacks that actually treat their emissions,” Ross explained.

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Because these ships travel internationally, legal issues are difficult to enforce and regulate. Rock the Earth encourages music lovers to muscle the cruise ship companies with their wallets. The organization Friends of the Earth is also working with Rock the Earth to advocate on behalf of this important issue.

 

Rock the Earth at All Good - Photo Courtesy of Rock the Earth

Myth: There is nothing I can do to help save the environment.

Fact: There are many ways that you can not only get involved in these non-profits, but also change your lifestyle as well to help green the planet.

Check out the booths at your favorite festivals in areas like Planet Roo at Bonnaroo and see how you can help with causes that are important to you.

Ross promotes using a reusable water bottle and being aware of what you are eating.  Buying local, organic food is significantly better for both you and the environment.

 

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Find more information on Rock the Earth via their official website. Contact Hannah Epstein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .