Musicians across the globe are increasingly acknowledging the environmental challenges posed by the music industry. Some issues, like the significant waste left behind at festivals, are easily visible, while others, such as the high energy demands of music streaming, are less apparent but equally impactful. Fortunately, the music community has shown growing awareness, with many artists and performers championing sustainable practices - be it through supporting environmental initiatives or choosing eco-friendly instruments and equipment.
As a guitarist, you're uniquely positioned to make a difference. From adopting greener habits in your craft to connecting with others who share your eco-conscious vision, there are countless ways to integrate sustainability into your musical lifestyle. Read on to discover how you can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future using eco-friendly guitars while staying true to your art.
What is ‘sustainable guitarism’?
Sustainable guitarism is an evolving movement that supports the broader push for sustainability within the music industry, encompassing practices by both guitarists and manufacturers aimed at minimizing the environmental impact of producing and using the instrument, while fostering eco-friendly habits.
The importance of sustainable guitarism lies in its commitment to meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This principle spans various aspects of modern life—whether in sports, travel, or the arts, but as a guitarist you may wonder what sustainable practices entail and how they can fit into your lifestyle.
Although guitars contribute only a small fraction to the global use of wood, plastic, metal, and other materials, the cultural implications are significant. The reliance on exotic woods like rosewood and mahogany can lead to deforestation, disrupting ecosystems and the communities dependent on these forests.
As a guitarist, you have multiple opportunities to align with the eco-conscious ethos of today. Opting for responsibly sourced woods and recycled materials to construct eco-friendly guitars is one key step. Similarly, choosing sustainable accessories, such as biodegradable or recycled guitar strings, picks, and cases, can make a meaningful difference.
Energy-efficient manufacturing processes also play an essential role by reducing energy consumption and waste. Meanwhile, guitarists can minimize their carbon footprint when traveling by using renewable energy sources and implementing eco-friendly touring initiatives designed to curtail travel emissions.
By embracing practices linked to sustainable musical instruments, guitarists can contribute to a movement that blends artistry with environmental stewardship, inspiring positive change within and beyond the music industry.
3 Bands Leading the Sustainability Movement
If you’re a guitar player with environmental concerns and a commitment to employing eco-friendly practices, you’ll be pleased to know that you’re not alone. Today, there are a host of high-profile guitarists and bands who acknowledge the environmental challenges that the music community faces and advocate for sustainability. Below, we focus on three that have displayed major eco-friendly credentials, and you may find their stories inspiring.
The 1975
Founded in Wilmslow, Cheshire in 2002, The 1975 is an English pop rock band fronted by vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter Matty Healy. Known for their creative artistry, the band has also showcased a strong commitment to sustainability, organizing "carbon-removed" shows powered by sustainable vegetable oil while embracing paperless ticketing systems and eco-conscious merchandise.
Using his platform for environmental advocacy, Healy collaborated with eco-activist Greta Thunberg on the protest song “The 1975”. The track, featuring a spoken-word adaptation of Thunberg’s 2019 World Economic Forum speech, "Our House Is on Fire," called for civil disobedience to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This marked a new direction for the band, with their work embracing overtly political themes. Meanwhile, all proceeds from the song were donated to Extinction Rebellion, a grassroots environmental movement.
Radiohead
Widely regarded as trailblazers in eco-friendly touring, the iconic English rock band Radiohead have an impressive history of addressing environmental concerns through both their music and touring practices. In 2008, they undertook groundbreaking research to achieve a carbon-neutral tour, incorporating measures such as biofuel-powered vehicles while minimizing air freight, optimizing routes for fuel efficiency, and collaborating with concert venues to reduce plastic waste.
Although their critically acclaimed album “OK Computer” did not explicitly centre on environmental themes, it did delve into interconnected issues such as technology, consumerism, and societal alienation—concepts tied to unsustainable practices and their effects on the planet.
In 2019, after hackers stole unreleased music from Radiohead’s archives and demanded a ransom, the band chose to release the material on Bandcamp and donate all proceeds to the environmental activism organization Extinction Rebellion. This act reinforced their commitment to using their platform and resources for environmental advocacy.
Coldplay
According to the Tyndall Centre for Climate Research, concerts and live performances produce approximately 405,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. In light of this, renowned British band Coldplay chose not to tour their eighth album, “Everyday Life”, until they could deliver concerts that were not just ecologically sustainable but environmentally beneficial.
Two years later, the band launched their “Music of the Spheres Tour”, pledging to reduce direct carbon emissions by 50%. Remarkably, they later announced a 59% reduction, achieved through innovative measures such as kinetic dance floors and power-generating bikes that converted audience energy into power, enabling fans to charge the show batteries. Additionally, solar photovoltaic panels were incorporated both behind the stage and atop the PA and delay towers.
To further enhance sustainability, the band introduced reusable LED wristbands crafted from 100% compostable, plant-based materials and implemented waste reduction strategies. Coldplay set a new standard by demonstrating that large-scale live performances can be environmentally sustainable without compromising the quality that fans expect.
Eco-Friendly Guitars
Now that you've hopefully been inspired to embrace practices related to eco-friendly guitarism, let’s delve into how you can actively make a difference. We’ve touched on the environmental toll of traditional guitar manufacturing, which relies on rare woods, energy-intensive processes, and harmful chemicals, leading to significant ecological consequences.
The sad fact is that many guitars are still made from exotic woods like rosewood, mahogany, and ebony, which are frequently harvested from endangered forests, contributing to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and illegal logging. The manufacturing process associated with harvesting and shipping these materials is also highly energy-intensive, especially when processed by factories that are not reliant on renewable energy sources. These all contribute to carbon emissions, as does a dependency on chemical pollutants that add to air pollution, excessive packaging, and the disposal of old guitars, which merely adds to environmental waste.
The role of luthiers
The responsibility for driving change lies heavily with luthiers—craftsmen who create stringed instruments like guitars and violins. Fortunately, efforts to mitigate these impacts are underway, with initiatives such as using FSC-certified woods, recycled materials, and alternatives like bamboo gaining traction.
Innovative approaches are also emerging, with a few visionaries exploring unconventional materials for sustainable guitars. For instance, bespoke guitar maker Rachel Rosenkrantz has experimented with using kombucha leather, honeycomb, fish skin, and even mushroom spores in her designs! The challenge, however, is convincing the public to embrace these unfamiliar materials, especially given the influence of legendary guitarists and their preferred choices.
What should you do?
So, how can you contribute to making ecologically sound choices? While sound quality, playability, and aesthetics often dominate purchasing decisions, these attributes can still be achieved in the manufacture of eco-friendly guitars crafted from sustainable woods sourced from carefully managed forests. Such practices protect wildlife, ensure trees are replanted, and prevent mass deforestation from harming local communities.
Shopping for an eco-friendly guitar doesn’t have to be daunting. Look for FSC-certified woods, approved by the Forest Stewardship Council for responsible and ethical forest management. Similarly, some guitars feature PEFC-certified materials (endorsed by the Program for the Endorsement of Forestry Certification), which promote sustainable practices and protect landscapes.
Materials like poplar, basswood, koa, figured ebony, ovangkol, and sapele are all excellent options. You may be surprised to discover that many of today’s legendary guitar brands, including Taylor, Martin, and Fender, are already embracing sustainable musical instruments by experimenting with alternative woods, reinvesting in forests, and supporting conservationist causes.
Maintenance and Instrument Longevity
Repair, maintain, or replace?
Another effective way to enhance your eco credentials and reduce waste is by purchasing guitars on the secondhand market or opting to repair rather than replace your instrument. While many aspiring guitarists might be drawn to the allure of a brand-new, flashy guitar displayed in a shop window, there’s immense value in cultivating a deeper connection with your instrument through regular upkeep and personal maintenance.
It's worth noting that well-maintained guitars not only retain their value but can even appreciate over time. So, even if you eventually decide to part with your instrument, selling it on the secondhand market benefits both you and the buyer—offering them a more sustainable alternative to purchasing a new guitar.
Regarding repairs, whether you're dealing with broken strings, a damaged headstock, or faulty output jack, with some basic knowledge most components of a guitar can be repaired independently, eliminating the need for costly professional services. There’s a wealth of online resources to guide you through guitar mechanics and maintenance, helping you tackle repairs such as restringing, fret adjustments, or even truss rod modifications - all while reducing waste and extending your instrument's lifespan.
Eco-friendly guitar accessories
While eco-friendly guitars are a fantastic choice for sustainable musical instrument lovers, your choice of guitar accessories is another important area where sustainable practices can make a difference. While power supplies themselves may not be inherently eco-friendly, investing in a pedalboard power supply can significantly reduce your reliance on disposable batteries - saving both the planet and your wallet over time.
For a simpler step, consider using sustainable options such as bamboo-made guitar picks or durable, high-quality hemp instrument cables. And don't overlook the opportunity to recycle your old guitar strings - several companies will even reward you with loyalty points that can be redeemed for new gear, encouraging both sustainability and smart savings.
Natural cleaning products
Traditional guitar cleaning products often contain chemicals that are harmful to our environment, so you might want to consider using simple, natural cleaning solutions. Did you know that lemon oil is a great natural cleaner, especially for fretboards? Simply apply a small amount with a soft cloth, ensuring it doesn’t make contact with the strings.
For tougher stains, rather than using traditional household chemicals, a paste made from baking soda and water can be equally effective. Meanwhile, when wiping down instruments consider scrapping the wasteful use of paper towels and opt for reusable microfiber cloths.
Engage in Eco-Friendly Music Projects
For those eager to take an active role in sustainability, participating in eco-friendly music projects can be both meaningful and creatively fulfilling. These initiatives often push boundaries by incorporating innovative materials and methods, offering an exciting opportunity to explore new creative possibilities while setting yourself apart from your peers.
Where to begin? Here are some impactful ideas:
- Organize a benefit gig to support environmental non-profits;
- Release tracks and donate the proceeds to eco-friendly causes you’re passionate about;
- Collaborate with eco-conscious brands, NGOs, or campaigns;
- Take part in community-driven efforts such as reforestation projects or sustainable music festivals.
One noteworthy organization you might like to get involved with is Sustain, a non-profit alliance linking the music industry with environmental groups to promote sustainability. They lead inspiring initiatives like Songscapes and Trail Sessions where artists are invited to public lands for immersive week-long retreats. Here, they can draw creative inspiration from the natural environment and compose music to support conservation efforts.
Another influential initiative is Ross Patel's LIVE Green. This program addresses the climate and biodiversity crisis by implementing sustainability clauses in artist contracts and promoting eco-friendly practices across the live music ecosystem. LIVE Green works to ensure that tours, venues, and events prioritize renewable energy, minimize waste, and offer sustainable merchandise, creating a cohesive approach to greening the industry.
Engaging with projects like these can help you contribute meaningfully to the planet while enhancing your artistry and community impact.
Create a Positive Legacy
Guitarists hold an influential position as some of the most admired musicians worldwide, capable of shaping opinions among fans, fellow artists, and industry professionals. Whether it’s choosing eco-conscious gear, making sustainable decisions, or advocating for greener practices, guitarists can wield the emotional power of music to drive meaningful change and inspire environmental action.
As a guitarist, adopting eco-friendly guitars isn’t solely about protecting the planet—it’s an opportunity to harmonize your art with values that truly resonate. Many guitars are still crafted from rare and endangered woods, making the choice to embrace sustainable alternatives a powerful way to safeguard the forests that enable your passion for music.
By thoughtfully integrating sustainability into your craft, you are uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact and become a role model within the music community. Whether it’s through sharing eco-friendly tips on social media, championing eco-friendly guitars and other sustainable musical instruments, or using public appearances to advocate for green lifestyles, your efforts can create a ripple effect that leaves a positive legacy and encourages others to reflect on their own ecological footprint.
