The Green(ing) Musician

YOUR choice is crystal clear... continue using toxic products and contributing to global warming or decide to take responsibility in your everyday life to bring about a change in the environment. Going green should not be the hottest fad of this world but a life altering state of mind. It is time for each one of to take this responsibility personal.
- www.whybegreen.com

Frank Horvat believes that a musician can carry on with their professional activities in a sustainable way and minimize their carbon footprint. Here are some of the initiatives Frank has implemented (or is in the process of implementing) in his studio:

Paper Use

Reduce
• Email invoices rather than print.
• Email newsletters rather than print.
• Use both sides of paper in students' notebooks.


Reuse
• Collect paper that has only been used on one side and reuse the second side for notes.


Recycled
• Only use toilet paper and tissues produced from 100% recycled paper.
• Print any documents that require printing on 100% recycled paper or FSC paper.

Encourage Less STUFF

• Use reusable cups, napkins and plates at student and concert events or, if necessary, use bio-degradable and recyclable napkins and plates. more
• Give student prizes that are sustainable and reusable like sheet music. more
• Encourage music swaps or donations to sales of used music. more
• Encourage students and colleagues to purchase used instruments and electronic gear. more
  
• Donate old instruments, computers, or other furniture rather than throwing it out. more
• Encourage students to give to charity, rather than give physical objects as Christmas gifts.

Save Energy

• Use a Green Electricity Provider to power studio. more
• Shut computer off when not in use; also plug computer and other electronics into a power bar, and shut that off too when not using them to avoid energy vampires!
• Use Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs.
• Use a programmable thermostat. more
• Open and close window coverings based on temperature.
• Draft-proof windows. more

Chemicals

• Use eco-friendly cleaning products.
• Use sand on outdoor walkways in the winter rather than salt. more
• Dispose of light bulbs, batteries, and ink cartridges in a responsible manner. more
• Give students candy or chocolate at Valentine’s, Easter, Halloween, or Christmas that is Fair Trade or Organic. more

Transportation

• Locate studio near public transit. more
• Encourage students to take public transit to your studio. more
• Hold student and concert events in venues that are easily accessible by public transit.
• Use public transit to attend meetings, gigs or run errands. more

Frank was inspired to take many of these actions from The Living Planet Community, an online community of concerned Canadians who want to stop talking about climate change and start taking personal action to reduce their CO2 emissions that contribute to dangerous, man-made climate change.

I realize that me just taking these steps is not going to alleviate the climate crisis. And I also know that I’m not perfect and I could probably do more. But if everyone gave some thought to their actions and shared their ideas with each other, then we could collectively make things better.
-Frank Horvat