Earth Day 2025: 10 Projects Using Music to Support the Environment
- Music Cities Events
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
From reducing waste to promoting sustainability through live events, the intersection of music and environmental activism has become a beacon for change.
As the world continues to face the challenges of climate change, the music industry has stepped up with innovative projects using the power of sound to drive environmental change. From reducing waste to promoting sustainability through live events, the intersection of music and environmental activism has become a beacon for change.
This Earth Day 2025, we highlight 10 impactful projects that are using music to support the environment and foster a greener, more sustainable future.
These projects share a common goal: to harness the influence of music for positive environmental impact.
What’s more, many of these projects have been recognized for their achievements in sustainability at past editions of the Music Cities Awards, underscoring the music industry's growing commitment to combating climate change.
Let's take a look at these 10 inspiring initiatives:
Co-founded by BLOND:ISH, Bye Bye Plastic is a women-led nonprofit organization working to eliminate single-use plastics in the music industry. This project empowers artists, DJs, and fans to collaborate on promoting a plastic-free, eco-conscious culture within the music world.
The Climate Machine at MIT uses cutting-edge AI, data, VR, and AR to help the music industry tackle climate change. By analyzing live event emissions and using immersive technologies, the project raises awareness and promotes sustainability within the global music community.
The Solidarity Eco Tax, introduced by Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS), adds €12.50 to tickets, funding sustainable travel initiatives and reforestation projects. This eco tax is a major part of ESNS’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its festival while supporting green projects.
Frida Amani's “Changes With Frida Amani” project, launched in 2015 in partnership with the LEAD Foundation, uses the song KISIKI HAI as an educational tool to promote re-greening. This community-driven initiative has already helped restore over a million trees.
Norske Kulturarrangører (NKA) and Øya Festival in Norway are paving the way for sustainable festival practices. Øya Festival is nearly 100% circular, focusing on waste reduction, sustainable transportation, and energy-efficient systems to minimize its environmental footprint.
The Green Room, a non-profit based in France, has been developing sustainable strategies since 2016 to minimize the environmental impact of the music industry. With programs like low-carbon tours and training, the Green Room helps musicians, venues, and organizers adopt eco-friendly practices.
DGTL Festival in Amsterdam is committed to combining art with sustainability. Known for its circular economy initiatives and climate-neutral editions, DGTL strives to reduce the environmental impact of large-scale festivals by implementing eco-conscious solutions such as renewable energy sources, waste management, and sustainable mobility.
Green Vinyl Records is revolutionizing the production of vinyl records by eliminating toxic PVC plastics. Their eco-friendly production process uses 90% less CO2 compared to traditional vinyl pressing methods, utilizing only electricity (no natural gas) while producing high-quality, durable records that are both sustainable and long-lasting.
This Netherlands-based initiative unites European festivals to achieve full circularity by 2025. By collaborating on sustainable practices, Green Deal Circular Festivals aims to set a model for other events worldwide, making festivals a key platform for circular innovation and environmental leadership.
Green Music Australia is a non-profit organization that helps the music industry reduce its environmental impact. Through initiatives such as Climate Fridays, a partnership with School Strike 4 Climate, and collaborations with musicians and climate activists, this project strengthens the relationship between music and environmental movements.
These 10 projects showcase the music industry's increasing efforts to promote sustainability and tackle environmental challenges. Each initiative is using music as a powerful tool for change, whether it’s through reducing waste, minimizing carbon footprints, or raising awareness about critical environmental issues.
As we celebrate Earth Day 2025, it’s important to recognize the incredible work being done within the music industry to create a more sustainable future. These projects, many of which have been acknowledged for their contributions at previous Music Cities Awards, continue to inspire and lead the way toward a greener world.
Are you part of a project that is driving positive change in the music industry? Do you know an organization making waves with sustainable practices? Apply for the Music Cities Awards 2025 by April 28th and showcase your work to the global music and sustainability community!
Visit www.musiccitiesevents.com/awards to submit your application today.
Let’s keep the momentum going and continue building a future where music and sustainability go hand in hand!
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