5 Green Bands or The New Type of Cool

News

Ecosmarty
February 21st, 2012

Credit: Leos Kral/Creative Commons

By Graham Savage Wasley

It’s a beautiful thing to see musicians using their fame to create positive change. Five acts in particular have recently made significant strides to make the world a greener place. The following 5 bands are all part of the eco-movement and each of them contribute to that cause in their own unique way (they are also great bands to listen to).

Pearl Jam gave $100,000 to nine green organizations dedicated to climate change and renewable energy. Not only is Pearl Jam pretty generous in their donations but, the band proves to be hands on when it comes to the struggle to protect our environment. Instead of simply making donations, Pearl Jam has developed their own strategy to advance a green lifestyle. “Our Carbon Portfolio Strategy is the newest component of our ongoing efforts to advance clean renewable energy and carbon mitigation,” the group stated on their website.

The Roots are known for their down to earth take on the world attended the Pre-Grammy Jam and Green Carpet Bash this year. The event was organized to educate the public about environmental issues. The Roots teamed up with the organization, Global Inheritance and together they encouraged the use of composting by autographing compost bins and giving them to the public. Also, the band has become involved with the animal protection organization, PETA. “Stop the Violence: Go Veg.” is the name of the collaborative campaign.

Punk idols, Billy Joe, Mike Durnt and Tre Cool of the band Green Day make their stance on eco issues known through more than just their songs. The rockers united with the Natural Resource Defense Council to find alternatives to oil. They’re currently using stylistic YouTube videos as a platform to suggest the use of cleaner cars and biofuels to save oil and reduce oil emissions.

Like most surfers, singer-songwriter Jack Johnson has a deep passion and respect for the planet. The native Hawaiian co-founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. The nonprofit raises awareness about the environment in Hawaiian schools. On top of that, Johnson also hosts an annual festival on earth day, which donates proceeds to environmentally friendly projects. His dedication and generosity is apparent through his contribution to making our world greener.

Not having enough to make huge contributions, the up and coming Grace Potter and the Nocturnals make as much impact as they can by voicing their opinion on the environmental issues at hand. Grace Potter sets the example. “We are really conscious of not traveling in multiple vehicles if we don’t need to…we don’t have a tour bus, but when we do, it will be bio diesel.” The all American blues band has made further efforts through their website. For every concert ticket sold through gracepotter.com, a tree will be planted in a third world country.

It goes to show that no matter large or small, every contribution has an impact. While, the action being taken by these musicians forwards environmental improvement, it is the message that they are sending to our youth that will in the end make all the difference. Stars like these often define what “cool” really is and there’s no doubt that our youth is listening and taking notes about a green lifestyle.

[Source: Ecosmarty]