by Monica Schrock

Many of you may know SXSW as one of the premiere music, film and interactive festivals in the nation, bringing an array of exceptional and unique talent to the lone star state every year.  You may not know that this year’s SXSW festival will bring a new exceptionality to the streets of Austin, TX… sustainability.  SXSW 2010 is striving to reduce the carbon footprint of their music and film festival March 12th – 21st.

SXSW became a carbon neutral company in 2006 and have been reducing their footprint ever since by using less energy as well as cleaner energy and supporting companies that do the same.  The music department has been using the paperless registration process since 2003 and was able to save 12,000 pieces of paper last year, inspiring the film and interactive departments to do the same. Their other efforts include installing solar panels, using hotels with sustainable hospitality training as well as encouraging fans and professionals to use green lodging.  They also give fans visiting Austin easy access information to public transportation, walking directions, bike renting affiliates and carbon offset programs through Enterprise Rent-A-Car. To top it all off SXSW is advising all bands and professionals to green their marketing programs at the festival.  If paper is necessary, they urge that the brochures and flyers be printed on FSC certified paper, the same paper that all SXSW directories and event publications are printed on.

This year, support SXSW’s sustainability efforts by implementing some of your own on your trip to Austin. Reduce your footprint by carpooling with your friends, bringing reusable coffee mugs and water bottles, and taking advantage of the public transportation in downtown Austin.

View the SXSW 2010 Promotional Video:

Article courtesy of Planetwize.

What do steel, rubber factories, mechanics, gas pumps, freeways, and Detroit have in common? They all play a part in the ‘technological lock-in’ – as the academics say – of a less-than-green American car culture.

The music business, it seems, is locked in to huge stages, bright lights, semi-trucks, tour busses, jewel cases, power-hungry analog equipment and, perhaps most challenging, millions and millions of miles driven by fans to catch the show.

The notoriously resistant-to-change industry, however, is greening up, as more bands and fans take action to reduce their impact. [Read more →]

In 2007 Grist.org, an environment news and commentary site, posted an excellent comparison of the industries largest music festivals rating them along dimensions including recycling, green power, green exhibits, carbon offsets, green donations and organic/local food.   While Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits rated the strongest across all categories, South by Southwest, Bonnaroo and Bumbershoot were not far behind.  Both Coachella and Sasquatch! received the lowest ratings with two and one stars respectively.

With the 2008 Summer Music Festival season upon us Grist.org once again reviews the topic.  They start off referring to the unique approach taken by Coachella this year who organized an Amtrack train to bring LA residents out to the Indio, CA grounds.  Over 300 fans chose this “public transportation” route for their journey to the show and their train tickets were free.

Later this summer the Rothbury Festival during the July 4th holiday aims to be a concert with a purpose.  Rothbury features top music talent including Dave Mathews Band, John Mayer,  Thievery Corporation, The Dresden Dolls, Crystal Method, Beth Orton and many, many more.   In their own words, they provide the guidelines they have followed in organizing their event.  Many of these items should be considerations for any live event or tour planning:

ROTHBURY is dedicated to throwing a HUGE party… with a purpose. This July 4th weekend, ROTHBURY emerges as a new American celebration where music and cause join together to stir ideas, to awaken possibilities, and to empower through knowledge. And yeah, to have the time of our lives. [Read more →]