Green cake?

The way of the future lies in green cake. Sounds like a line from Dr. Seuss, but it’s how the music industry is using their position as social icons to demonstrate the need for change. And Cake, the ultra-cool band behind such hits as No Phone, Short Skirt Long Jacket, and Never There, is doing just that.

Cake uploaded video onto their fan site of the installation of a photovoltaic system on the roof of their Sacramento recording studio. The band announced  that their next album album will be recorded exclusively with solar energy.

 

This isn’t an isolated feel-good story, either. The greening of the music industry is a growing trend that advocates hope becomes the standard.  The CLIF GreenNotes program is a perfect example, not just because it grew by five artists recently, but because their program is based on supporting eco-conscious artists.  

GreenNotes helps musicians integrate environmentally friendly touring practices. GreenNotes funds artists to use biodiesel, sell organic cotton shirts, print on recycled paper and soy ink, stock backstage with locally grown organic produce, and buy renewable wind credits to offset their remaining carbon footprint.

GreenNotes has helped their musicians reduce their carbon emissions by 25 percent, eliminated the use of more than 2,900 pesticides, and offset 2.2 million pounds of carbon.

Bigger names are getting into the act, too.  The Barenaked Ladies will be using biodiesel, buying carbon offsets, recycling and ditching disposables.  In addition to spearheading the “Vote for Change Renewable Energy Project”, Pearl Jam has a Carbon Portfolio Strategy that includes using biodiesel on tour. 

If such notorious sybarites as musicians can change their tune, maybe other industries can follow their act.