Blog Action Day: Aussie Songs for Climate Change

Today is Blog Action Day, a day when bloggers all around the globe unite to raise awareness of topical issues and inspire change. This year we’re talking about climate change. I was appalled recently to hear that studies say Australians are becoming less concerned about this big issue. So while much has been written about the environment in the recent past, perhaps this day is more important than ever. I don’t think preaching about the importance of reducing your carbon footprint and being green ever works. Instead, I’ll let the words of some of Australia’s most powerful environmental songs do the talking for me.

“Warakurna” didn’t make the chart splash that many of Midnight Oil’s songs did, but I think that makes it impact all the more profound. I encourage you to listen to the lyrics, ones that many of you may not have heard before. I get a chill every time I hear the words “This land must change or land must burn.”

It might not be apparent at first, but “Treat Yo Mama” by John Butler Trio isn’t encouraging us to mind our manners around dear old mum. Instead it’s a plea to treat Mama Nature with all the respect she so rightly deserves.

Here’s something a little more mainstream to finish up on. Crowded House were really ahead of their time when it came to local bands singing about our impact on the world. With “Weather With You” the band told us very simply that no matter what we’re doing, we’re having a profound effect on the environment around us. It’s definitely something to think about!

Music Blog Spotlight: Blog Action Day

Today’s blog spotlight is a little different. Rather than singling out one blog, I’ve decided to tell you about all the great blogs from the b5 music channel taking part in Blog Action Day. My fellow bloggers have come up with some really great green posts, so make sure to check them out.

As you might expect, Jennifer at Hippie Sounds is serving up plenty of environmental news today. See her cool blog for the top 10 eco-friendly musos and a cool video of original greenie Joni Mitchell performing her environmental anthem, “Big Yellow Taxi.”

Speaking of green music videos, Deb’s got plenty of them at She Plays Music. From old tree huggers like Joan Baez and The Pretenders to the new kids Björk and The Cranberries, there’s lots of clips to watch here.

Bruce, who runs Our Digital Music and The Rock Dose, is doing more than just talking about the environment. He’s doing something about it. He’ll donate 100% of his blog revenue today to Greenpeace. So by visiting these great blogs right now you’re not just in for a great read, you’re helping the environment at the same time.

Image source: Brian Garrity @ Unsplash

Bluesfest’s Green Efforts Awarded

Today’s Blog Action Day, a day when bloggers all around the world are uniting to talk about one important issue: the environment.

We all care about it, but what’s it got to do with music? Plenty. Musicians all over the world are getting climate clever, putting on environmentally-friendly tours, and educating their fan bases about the importance of conservation.

One of the best examples of this is the organisers of Byron Bay’s East Coast Blues and Roots Festival. This very cool event has just won a Greener Festival Award from the UK-based website, AGreenerFestival.com.

“Doing ‘the right thing’ is what should be done anyway, and we have up till now not publicised our ongoing commitment to social and environmental responsibility,” explained the festival’s director, Peter Noble.

“However, I see the increasing importance of public awareness on all environmental issues and to lead by demonstration.”

There are so many cool things about the way the festival is run that most of us don’t even realise. All food stalls at the festival only use compostable plates and utensils. All plastic glasses and cardboard used at the festival is recycled and reused. The festival follows the policy “Aim for zero waste and ‘leave no trace,'” and organisers ensure the site is returned to its original state. Bluesfest also transfers waste to TiTree BioEnergy Facility, which in turn transforms the waste to clean energy.

The festival’s always been green, but it will amp up its environmental efforts when it moves into its new home at Belongil Fields next year.

“We will be installing wind and solar power, and we will have bio-diesel. We will strive to be the best and we will have the same motives through the whole festival.”

And of course, Bluesfest always has a killer line-up. Early-bird tickets are already on sale for the event, which runs from Thursday March 20 to Monday March 24.

Image source: Noah Buscher @ Unsplash