Fans’ Cars (Not Bands’ Buses) Have The Largest Carbon Impact

Armando — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:40:57 +0000

There is much talk about biodiesel buses and the sustainability of tours, but these factors which are in the band’s control are just part of the picture. The largest carbon footprnt impact is from the fans commuting to the live events along a tour.

Larger tours are trying to address this concern with ideas such as the Coachella AMTRACK Express train used in Las Angeles to use of PickupPal carpooling by masses of fans.

PickupPal is working with the low-carbon-footprint-minded tour company Portland-based Reverb to extend their services to tour-going fans across the U.S including The Dave Matthews Band who is using them for their full 40-city tour. Barenaked Ladies and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are some of the other acts that have used Reverb’s services, which include reducing waste, getting biodiesel for tour buses and purchasing carbon offsets.

PickupPal is a new very web 2.0 online service that links eco-minded drivers with people who need a lift with the aim of minimizing everyone’s carbon footprint. On their website they have a CO2 emissions calculator which reads nearly 375,000 lbs of CO2 avoided.

Here’s a somewhat-cheesy clip showing how this service works:

Green Music Alliance [Sustainability, Environmentalism, Green, Music, Business, Fans, Musicians, Artists, Education, Awareness, Resources] » Carpooling

Fans’ Cars (Not Bands’ Buses) Have The Largest Carbon Impact