Taylor’s Bejewelled Footprint: Unearthing Sustainability Issues in the Live Music Industry (C21067262)

Environmental Crescendo: A thorough analysis of Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour,’ uncovering the sustainability challenges in live music, and Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ Tour as the pinnacle of eco-friendly concerts.

As Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ writes its own chart-topping narrative in the global music industry, breaking records, and serenading fans worldwide, a silent question lingers in the background like an unsung lyric: What kind of environmental harmony does this spectacular show leave behind? In a post-pandemic resurgence of the live music industry, inviting everyone to the grand reunion, we can’t help but wonder: Is the stage set for a sustainable encore?

Despite dominating the music industry, Taylor Swift faces continuous carbon footprint scrutiny. While Mark Wahlberg and Diplo top the list with extreme emissions from private jets to hot air balloons ranging from using 120kg to 2 tonnes per hour, though Swift does make the cut in the top celebrity polluters. The persistent criticism seems to target her success as a woman in a competitive industry, focusing on her travels to see American Footballer boyfriend Travis Kelce and her ‘The Eras Tour’ venues.

However, her environmental impact is unsustainable, propelled by the global reach of the live music industry. From jetting around, her infamous trip from Tokyo to Las Vegas stands at 41 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

Since 2019, global greenhouse gas emissions surged by 86%. Yet, Carbon Reform suggests an even more alarming increase of 122%. These numbers emphasize the urgent call for sustainability as we approach 2024, where our footprint is on the rise.

Examining the statistics, particularly the transportation footprint to her ‘The Eras Tour’ venues, raises questions about its sustainability. Despite the tour’s popularity and economic impact on venues, the environmental toll is apparent as thousands of fans flock in. On a positive note, Taylor Swift is actively working to enhance tour sustainability. She’s purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions, potentially channelling the revenue toward environmentally friendly initiatives, exemplified by the innovative concept of ‘Eras Forests‘.

However, there’s room for even greater sustainability, and how her tour could be further enhanced, like other artists have in the live music industry.

Sustainability in the live music industry is of paramount concern, accentuated by a significant global carbon footprint, notably in the UK, where emissions reach ‘at least 540,000 tons of carbon dioxide equivalents annually.’ Despite challenges, the industry is actively adopting environmentally conscious practices, especially in response to the pandemic-induced setbacks. The COVID-19 hiatus prompted a substantial reduction in emissions, revitalizing a commitment to environmental consciousness.

Leading artists play a pivotal role in spearheading industry-wide initiatives, as evidenced by the way Coldplay acknowledges the profound environmental impact of their craft!

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Coldplay, a global powerhouse, has set an unparalleled standard with their eco-conscious masterpiece, ‘Music of the Spheres’. Going beyond entertainment, the band pioneers an environmentally responsible concert experience. Since their previous tour, the ‘Music of the Spheres’ has slashed CO2 emissions by an impressive 47%, leveraging windmills, solar panels, and creative use of old car batteries. Notably, fans on bicycles and a kinetic dance floor, powered by concertgoers, stole the show last year.

Source: How Coldplay created their most sustainable tour yet: BBC (2022).

Coldplay’s impactful partnership with One Tree Planted stands as a testament to their commitment – over 4 million trees planted, showcasing the band’s exemplary efforts in steering the live music industry towards efficient sustainability.

Coldplay seamlessly marries entertainment and environmental responsibility, yet faces press criticism. Concerns about a potential split focus between the environment and fan experience, along with doubts about fans adopting sustainable practices linger. Undeterred, Coldplay anticipates and embraces the potential backlash, affirming the significance of their eco-conscious endeavours.

Defying these media stereotypes, TikTok’s Caitlin Harper, a devoted Coldplay fan, shares her vibrant experience at the ‘Music of the Spheres’ tour:

Did the event contribute to increased environmental awareness for you, either before or after the concert?

“Yes, especially during their UK tour where Coldplay collaborated with DHL, an eco-friendly shipping company sponsoring the tour. This, along with the visible efforts in energy creation and recycling post-concert, transformed the experience for me. It inspired a more environmentally conscious mindset, proving that if a renowned band can prioritize sustainability, so can anyone!”

Caitlin Harper and many fans share a positive impact from the concert, finding it awe-inspiring as always. Caitlin’s account captures the essence of this extraordinary experience. Explore her perspective here!

@caitlinharperr

the BEST night #coldplay #cardiff #concert #coldplayconcert #thisisyoursign #coldplaycardiff

♬ Viva la vida – 𝘤𝘹𝘴𝘱𝘵𝘴⸆⸉

Coldplay embodies the perfect harmony of success and sustainability in the live music industry. With Taylor Swift crowned as the top female artist of 2023, a wave of transformative change is imminent. Picture a world where recycled wristbands, solar-powered shows, and eco-friendly travel define the industry’s landscape. This marks a pivotal moment propelling us towards a future characterized by thriving sustainability, elevated musical experiences, and a healthier world.

As we stand on the brink of change, can we collectively envision a live music industry thriving on renewable energy, following in Coldplay’s impactful footsteps?

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A new era of live music. Are online concerts a sustainable future for touring?

Image from Harry Styles’ Instagram August 2022

I attended my first stadium concert back in June of 2023, when Harry Styles performed at the Principality Stadium, as part of Love on Tour. Whilst there was an electric atmosphere, I couldn’t help but compare my experience to clips I’d seen on social media. Prior to the show, I’d already experienced the concert through hundreds of clips online, from different cities and the best angles.

Social media creates expectations around set list’s, creating a more universal concert experience, but also creates pressure on performers to recreate these moments at every show. Stadium shows then, in some ways, become more rigid, and as Grimshaw describes becomes like “watching a popstar at work”, rather than a passionate performance. I felt similarly to this watching Harry Styles, the price of the ticket was hard to justify when I felt I’d gained a greater sense of his stage presence from social media clips.

These feelings were solidified after watching the Taylor Swift: Eras Tour film, released in October 2023, filmed during her performances in Los Angeles and features songs form every era of her music career. The high production value along with the intimate feeling of watching in the cinema, made the experience as exciting as going to a live performance.

The film became the top grossing music concert film ever , making $92.8 million in opening box office weekend sales. With its’s astounding success and concert film’s capabilities to deliver high quality performances, it is relevant to consider whether the future of live music could be in the digital space.

Benefits of concert films

Clips of the audience from the Eras film went viral. With fans dressed up in concert attire seen dancing in the aisles, singing along. A similar excited atmosphere was felt to live concerts. The accessibility of concert films makes it easier for fans to watch their favourite artists. With the price of the film ticket being significantly cheaper £19.89, compared to £110 – £172.25 for the concert. With the film being shown in over 100 countries as well as streaming platforms, it creates a inclusive experience for fans. In the age of social media content, concert films are one way of guaranteeing the best possible view with out breaking the bank.

Sustainability of live music

If live music was to migrate to the digital space, how would this effect its sustainability? A study by Julies Bicycle, in 2010 , found that the British acts touring in the UK and overseas are responsible for generating 85,000 tonnes of CO2. CO2 is generated through the energy used to power venues, the transporting of equipment to locations and travel of performers and fans to venues. With regards to her Eras tour, Taylor Swift has be under public scrutiny for her frequent private jet usage. In 2022 she was the top celebrity CO2 polluter and her private jet emitted 8293.54 tonnes in carbon emissions in six months. Each trip emitting 10x the amount of a commercial flight.  

In terms of fan travel, many of the audience are expected to travel over 27000 km for the Eras tour, with New Zealand fans having to fly to Melbourne to see Taylor. Airlines added 60 new flights, causing a staggering 9256 tonnes of additional carbon emitted. Swift, along with other celebrities frequently purchase carbon offsets to counteract their carbon emissions. However, It is difficult to measure the success of these offsets and with her large following, should she be making bigger, environmentally conscious decisions?

Photo by Wendy Wei on Pexels.com

What is already being done by the music industry?

With sustainability reporting not mandatory for musicians, artists are finding their own ways of navigating and reducing emissions created by touring. Famously, Coldplay took a break from touring to re-evaluated their tour practices, returning with their Music of the Spheres tour, which tour produced 47% less carbon emissions than previous tours. This was achieved using kinetic bikes and dance pads to power the stadiums and through encouraging their fans to use public transport . Other initiatives involve groups like Julies Bicycle, who have created a carbon calculator, to help venues and events measure their carbon footprint and energy usage, and campaign groups like Music declares emergency, are increasing pressure on governments and beginning to tackle the environmental impacts of the music industry.

How could the digitalisation of live music help?

The COVID-19 pandemic allowed for innovative ways of moving live performances online, with virtual concerts and Instagram livestreams becoming popular. Additionally, since 2008, the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra has had a digital concert hall, in which subscribers gain access to live performances. Also with the popularity of Broadway show, Hamilton on Disney Plus, there are countless ways in which audiences can consume live performances from home. With social media having altered fans expectations of concerts, the popularity of concert and virtual performances and with the benefits of sustainability, will we see a continued migration of live music to the digital space?

Green Man Festival: Setting The Eco-friendly Stage for Sustainability and Opportunity. Are Other Festivals in Tune? (21061779)

Source: Image by Author

Infectious energy, captivating live music and vibrant scenery; quintessential ingredients of any unforgettable festival experience. But how often do festival-goers and producers consider the environmental and cultural impact of such processes?

By now, we are well acquainted with the annual headlines that condemn festivals including Reading and Leeds for their detrimental environmental footprint. According to data from the Greener Festival Report, the average festival produces 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions. With an expectation for the festivals market to exceed $8.5bn by 2028 (a forecasted $6bn increase since 2022), a radical approach must be taken to circumvent an excessive carbon impact.

So, what exactly is Green Man doing differently?

The Green Man, situated at the heart of the picturesque Welsh Brecon Beacons has been widely commended for its innovative approach to green consciousness. As one of the most wasteful and polluting industries, the festival sub-sector of the events industry often relies upon consumables and fossil fuels with 80% of total emissions deriving from attendee travel. Extending beyond the typical recycling program, the Green Man Festival incorporates numerous collaborative measures from the outset of its planning to advance a sustainable ethos. Initiatives span from powering 3 stages using renewable energy to partnerships with Red Fox Cycling and Ecolibrium to reduce the notorious carbon cost of transport. While it may be assumed that the name “Green Man” speaks for itself, the services and messages offered by this independent festival reflect a new wave of creative entrepreneurship for festival planning; fostering experience economy.

Source: Visit Wales on YouTube

A Symphony of Diversity and Accessible Pathways

But it doesn’t stop there. Many festivals have previously been criticised for their lack of accessibility and inclusivity; scrutiny ranging from scarce disabled facilities to a lack of diversity in the workforce. In contrast, Green Man is all about opening doors for everyone – from supporting emerging artists to elevating independent, local businesses. Not only does the festival offer a professional training programme that targets young and/or vulnerable individuals including refugees, but they also liaise with charities including Attitude is Everything; improving live music access for deaf/disabled individuals.

“Green Man is a celebration of inclusivity and making it accessible and welcoming to everyone who wants to attend is something all of the team are invested in.“

           Fiona Stewart, Founder and Managing Director of The Green Man Festival

These endeavours stand to prove that Green Man is not solely about sustainable production; it is also about broadcasting a powerful message. Besides benefitting the environment through using hydrogen, solar or HVO power source alternatives, producing a 90% reduction in greenhouse gases, the festival has made a substantial contribution to the local economy. Generating a staggering £15M into Wales every year, the highly anticipated event has provided a platform for promising talents, small businesses, performing arts, visual artists and even science engagement!

Why are there very few festivals as sustainable as Green Man?

With Green Man setting the eco-friendly stage ablaze, it begs the question: why aren’t other festivals picking up their ‘green guitars’ and joining the jam? Green Man took a gamble as a self-reliant festival, opting out of sponsorship to directly support and pay vendors rather than being bound to corporate deals. This unique choice to embed ethical practices has certainly struck a chord in the festivals favour. With many organisations looking to government and bureaus for change instead of taking their own initiative – time progressing towards sustainability is wasted. Instead, the agency of grass-root events combined can make this process much faster. In turn, Green Man’s innovative risk has consequently saw itself an offer from the Welsh government for a £4.25M extension to spur on the environmental and cultural success of the festival. Being a multi-faceted organisation with a community-centric feel, the festival has reaped the rewards of embracing and integrating notions of sustainability, access and equality into their campaign.

Source: Green Man

The Future of Festivals

Promoting the alteration of an industry that could be functioning in a much more sustainable and efficient manner, Green Man is a testament to what consistently rethinking the approach of creative projects can achieve. Although notable progress has been made, starting with independent festivals like Green Man, it is evident that there is still a long way to go before we achieve a landscape where agendas of sustainability and accessibility are at the forefront. With a number of festivals now founding the Vision 2025 scheme, pledging to cut their ecological impact by 50%, we can hopefully look forward to a more sustainable, collaborative and revolutionary approach within the outdoor event industry. Green Man proves itself as much more than a festival – it is an arena for supporting a diverse range of causes, earning it prestigious accolades; its triumph reflecting the increasing public and official demand for avant-garde festivals.

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Outdoor Cinema: Are We Pedalling Towards a Greener Future for Entertainment? (C21086553)

With growing concerns of environmental issues in the world, the film industry is one area which is trying to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. In some ways cinema can be used to raise awareness through documentaries, film and TV but questions do arise in terms of how production and distribution of these contribute to climate change. As well as this, the creative industries are having to adapt and grow within a digital age, so alongside creating more sustainable practices, the introduction of more unique experiences are needed to keep the industry alive.

What I really want to talk about is the cinema experience and what can be done to make going to the cinema a green experience. Going to the cinema is a fun way to enjoy the latest films with friends and families, but how can we create experiences that also benefit the environment without taking away from its appeal? One answer to this is outdoor cinema which has become a popular phenomenon for cinema-goers, even more so after the COVID pandemic. More specifically is the art of pedal-powered cinema, providing a greener, human powered experience of cinema.

Photo by Son Tung Tran on Pexels.com

Why do we need green cinema?

To fully understand how greener cinema can help, it’s important to understand what the film industry is already doing to combat this issue. With big budget film production producing, on average, 2,840 tonnes of carbon, there can be no question as to why a greener film industry is needed. Bigger institutes such as the British Film Institute (BFI) have outwardly expressed their concerns and goals in reaching a sustainable and greener future of film. Creating sustainable cinemas is one step that can be taken to achieve this goal of green cinema, specifically the Independent Cinema Office provide tips on how sustainable cinema can be achieved. Some tips that they have provided include engaging with an energy consultant, eradicating single use plastic, using local supplier and distributers and so on.

Why Cinemas Need to go Green. Source: Barco Cinema on Youtube

Is Pedal Power the answer?

One company that is trying to achieve this goal is Electric Pedals, originating from London, they were fuelled by ideas of sustainability, energy awareness and health & exercise. With a variety of cinema set ups, from micro to big, Electric Pedals offer bicycle powered cinema, 100% human powered and completely off-grid. As well as pedal powered cinema, they also provide other events which are, again, solely powered by cycling.They clearly have a passion for sustainability, especially pedal powered cinema, as they say on their website “Without doubt, the bicycle powered cinema has been at the heart of what we do”. Their dedication to a greener future gives hope for more projects such as these and hopefully inspires others to take part in similar events.

The appeal of these kind of events is important in attracting people and raising awareness for environmental issues. By encompassing the importance of energy consumption with something fun such as cycling encourages community engagement and emphasises the need on the reduction of fossil fuels in the industry. Using events that encourage community engagement will most likely boost participation of energy saving activities.

Pedal-powered cinema is just one practical solution which has arisen, but why is it that it has faced so much success? Outdoor events as a whole have considerably grown in popularity within the entertainment industry. Especially in a post-Covid environment, it’s not unusual that these events have become more and more desirable by the public. The temporary closures of cinemas and production studios not only threatened the success of cinemas, but also meant that an alternative was needed for people to continue to enjoy themselves. Outdoor cinemas and other events provided a solution for restrictions that were in place at the time and also helped to keep the cinema industry alive. The popularity of events such as these only encourage companies to continue open-air events and even experiment with sustainable practices which is exactly what Electric Pedals are continuously doing.

So, are we on the right track towards a more sustainable industry and is pedal powered electricity one step forward in the battle against climate change? There are a lot of factors to consider but I believe that if people who are passionate about the issue and continue to work towards a solution for a sustainable film industry, we will eventually reach fully green industry. Electric Pedals are one such example that clearly have a passion for clean energy, whilst also providing a fun experience for those who want to be a part of a sustainable solution.

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TV and Film Gone Green by Ditching Green Screen: Sustainable Innovation Through the Lense of ‘The Mandalorian’ [21068606]

Photo by StarWars.com 2020

What is ‘The Mandalorian’?

Currently in its third season, ‘The Mandalorian’, first released in 2019, has lead the innovation of virtual production in both Television and Film. The series immerses itself into the Star Wars universe, where we follow a lone bounty hunter running away from imperial forces across the galaxy. The well-established Sci-fi universe meant that the production thrusts itself into producing a magnificent array of visual effects to bring this fictional world to life.

Video Created by Star Wars on YouTube, 2023

With a great demand for outstanding visual effects, came the introduction of a revolutionary innovation that has altered the way TV and Film in the genre of sci-fi and fantasy is filmed. Ditching the green screen and introducing virtual production of ‘StageCraft.’

What is StageCraft?

Created by a pioneering company known for their ground-breaking creations in visual effects, ILM (Industrial Light and Magic) partnered with Epic Games (Creator of ‘Unreal Engine) developing a virtual production set made up of LED walls that are programmed to show a photorealistic 3D world. The screen walls are known by the cast and crew as ‘The Volume’, which is 20 feet tall, 75 feet in diameter and covers 270 degrees of the set, illuminating an immersive set for all the cast and crew.

For shows like ‘The Mandalorian’, fans expect to be transported to an alternative world, or galaxy, which creates a complex task for the filmmakers on each of the projects. Green screens are used so that during post production, they can later add the special effects or CGI. This meant that during production, the actors and crew have to use their imaginations and guess what the visuals will end up looking like. Consequently, film productions use multiple lighting techniques around the set in order to irradiate the green screen glare and create realistic lighting that would match the final image on the screen.

By using the LED video walls, it irradiates the need for additional lighting techniques and the excessive post-production process, as it already delivers the lighting and imagery needed to bring the worlds to life. Additionally, everyone involved in the production is more immersed and inspired whilst creating the project, making sure everyone is on the same page while filming

How is it sustainable?

In the last couple decades, industry policies regarding cinema have made suggestions on how to become ‘greener’ and more sustainable. The aim? To reduce the industry’s overall negative environmental impact. The ‘SPA’ (Sustainable Production Alliance) is a combination of the worlds leading film, television and streaming companies, supporting the objective of advancing sustainable initiatives. The Green Production Guide, prepared by the ‘SPA’, is an online toolkit designed to reduce industry carbon footprints by evaluating ways in which productions can be more environmentally friendly and energy efficient. One thing the guide, and other sustainable missions analyse, is the switch to LED technology, as it converts a higher percentage of energy into light, producing less heat, and in return less carbon emissions.

StageCraft aligns itself with sustainable industry governance, as ‘The Volume’ uses LED’s for its video wall, using 70% less energy then incandescent lights, further cutting its carbon emissions. Not only that, but it can bring locations to the comfort of ‘The Volume’! The production avoids having to travel sets, props and crews to distant locations, lessening fuel and time waisted.

Marissa Gomes (ILM visual effects producer): “You can switch from the Iceland to the desert locations all within the same day of shooting”

Video created by StudioBinder on YouTube, 2023

This groundbreaking technology has forced productions into a more efficient workflow, that draws pre and post production into one space. With crews covering 30-50% more pages a day, not only is virtual production sustainable environmentally, but it also saves time and money.

The Star Wars franchise has been used to explore film and TV’s environmental impact, due to its high production value. With the research conducted by ‘The EIF Project’, Star Wars, including ‘The Mandalorian’, continues to affiliate with improving sustainability goals.

StageCraft going global

Some other productions that have used StageCraft included ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’ (2022), ‘Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania’ (2023), and most recently ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2024). Permanent volumes have been built in Los Angeles, London, and Sydney, whilst ILM have alluded to their ability to provide “pop up” sets, which allows multiple productions to reuse and access the video wall soundstage. Large productions can invest in StageCraft, which can eliminate other production elements that take up a lot of time and money, adding to the positive long-term efficiency, rather than having to create large sets from scratch and wasting materials.

The Future

Overall, the system looks more realistic then a green screen, and allows for quicker setups in a controlled environment. There is one drawback of this new technology, which is limited camera movement. This is for moving shots where someone could be running away for a long amount of time. But just as there were drawbacks of green screen, companies light ‘ILM’ continue to create and improve, whilst also having a sustainable practice in mind. The innovation initiated for “The Mandalorian” is beginning to revolutionise the film industry and push for standards towards sustainability.

Virtual Vogue: The Evolution of Digital Fashion Exhibitions

by 21048332

Cover Image Source: Exhibiting Fashion Website.

A critical analysis of Exhibiting Fashion in relation to the expansion of digitalised fashion exhibitions, in a post pandemic landscape.  

Based in the Centre for Fashion Curation at the London College of Fashion, Exhibiting Fashion is an online curation catalogue. The website documents and gathers information about global fashion experiences, fusing the adaptation of new technologies with fashion to showcase past and present exhibitions globally. Press releases, host venues, and information about the curator(s) and designer(s) of hundreds of international exhibitions are all provided by Exhibiting Fashion. All arranged by date, time and key meaning.

Source: London College of Fashion on YouTube

Exhibiting Fashion is just one of many online similar platforms which utilises new technology to bring a fresh perspective on fashion. Allowing a vast audience to indulge in a rich history of fashion, making what has previously been an exclusive opportunity, with a lack of access, into a more accessible one. 

The platform promotes individual research, workshops and publications, featuring a ‘Responses’ section in which reviews can be uploaded to the website. This user-creativity promotes vibrant viewpoints and innovation in the form of ‘prosumerism’ as spoken about by Toffler in 1980. Open participation within Exhibiting Fashion enables viewers to interact with significant cultural and social works within the Fashion Industry, . Challenging previous experiences of art and culture and encouraging the growth of additional creative spaces for social and cultural learning. This is massively important in educating audiences’ minds to the potential of digitalisation as a catalyst for making cultural sectors reachable, sustainable and inclusive.  

Following the pandemic, the Fashion industry leaned into the digitalisation of creative spaces. This need reflected the demand for digital art environments due to the in-place restrictions that stopped cultural experiences from taking place. These online adaptations allowed artists to gain exposure from a variety of audiences, making these experiences universal and ubiquitous. Additionally, facilitating the expansion and presence of the industry. This growth is acknowledged by Exhibiting Fashion stated that,  

”Exhibiting Fashion is a work in progress which will be regularly updated and expanded. It is a work in co-creation that welcomes, and depends on, your contributions of other fashion exhibitions from across the world’’  

Which raises the questions:  

• Are arts and culture exhibitions online the way forward?  
• Has digitalisation democratised culture and the arts?  

Due to the current co-existence between digital and physical spaces, it can be heavily argued that online exhibitions do not damage or eradicate the presence of the physical ones. And as stated by Rosalind Jana in British Vogue Magazine, the digitalisation of fashion and creativity post pandemic has ‘yielded a number of innovations and imaginative solutions – as well as an overwhelming sense of curiosity’. In this case, it is shown that the survival of online spaces like Exhibiting Fashion not only preserves the industry itself, but it is generates imaginative ways of displaying artistic user-creativity.  

In terms of sustainability, Kenneth Ize in a discussion with Marc Jacobs for Vogues Global Conversations series last year stated that ‘’Creativity never stops. No way. We need to find a way to do it.’’ (see below). They further discuss the adaptations regarding branding, fashion and the focus on the environment in response to the development of online spaces. Concluding that there has been a sharp increase in imaginative solutions, enabling audiences’ authentic artistic experiences, like Exhibiting Fashion.

Arguably, this digital remix culture, as explained by Lessig in 2008, has democratised culture and the arts by the unspecified ownership of user-generated content. The shift from consumer attitudes towards a co-creating value has blurred the boundaries between high and low art. Which, in many ways, is positive towards the preservation of art and cultural pieces that reflect social attitudes of the time and survive dark times in history like the pandemic itself.  

Source: British Vogue on YouTube

 In this way, digitalised platforms like Exhibiting Fashion, have created pathways for culture and art industries to survive changes in history. Therefore, as well as being incredibly successful, it is necessary to reflect a difference in thinking. Serving more than one purpose, originally to aid the existence of fashion, but now utilised to create a borderless attitude towards culture and art no matter what your identity.  

Tom Ford writes ‘the industry will change; but change also presents an opportunity to reset, restart and create a strong foundation for the future of American Fashion’. Ultimately, accepting this digitalisation is necessary in every way to preserve the creativity and imagination of gifted individuals, whose blooming talents should be shared with the world.   

Is music dancing it’s way to sustainability? (C2045106)

Live music can be life-changing, not just for us as fans but for society as well. It is the ultimate fan and artist experience, memorable long after the ringing in your ears has faded. It is also an industry worth a small fortune, in fact, in 2022, the UK music industry generated £6.7 billion to the economy. However, live music is also a significant source of pollution and climate change is an accelerating issue according to the latest data. The irony is the history of live music has been punctuated with cause-led concerts that led societal change (Live Aid, Free Nelson Mandela and Tsunami Aid) and yet sustainability seems on the backburner for most artists. Is the live music industry doing enough to make a real difference, or is it just some greenwashing to make us feel better?

Source: Wendy Wei from Pexels.com

What are the environmental challenges faced?

The environmental cost of live music events itself is mindblowing. The greenhouse gas emissions from live music events in venues and at festivals in the UK were more than 400,000 tonnes of CO(2) equivalent per year. To put that in perspective, equivalent to an extra 200,000 cars on the road a year. Not only have we seen significant numbers in CO2 but general waste at such events are astonishing; Reading festival has estimated over 250,000 tents have been left on the festival site over the years and Glastonbury can generate up to 100 tons of solid waste every day at their festival. However, you choose to look at the stats, the scale of the environmental impact of live music is huge.

What is the industry doing and is it enough? 

Sustainable live music needs to provide the same level of ‘wow’ whilst managing their carbon footprint. There are a range of options music artists are pioneering: 

• Improving energy efficiency can be achieved through the use of renewable energy, such as solar-powered stages
• Reducing waste by banning single-use plastic bottles, encouraging purchase of reusable bottles or cups
• Taking waste with you, the tent saga seen at the festivals will be tackled by using social media to show the damages leaving your tent at a festival can do to the planet. 

The scale of the environmental impact is huge and yet the actions look tentative, small-scale and sporadic. Credit where credit is due to 1975, Billie Eilish and Radiohead taking action. Whilst not greenwashing, is it enough to make a difference?

What is the music’s industry’s target?

How far can the music industry go? The mind boggles with possibilities and for an industry that prides itself on making noise, they have been surprisingly low-key about what they are up to. 

There is, in fact, a pledge on net zero emissions, The Guardian reported ‘the wider music industry has united to pledge net zero emissions by 2050’, with music labels such as Sony, Universal and Warner signed up.

Carbon-free events might be an aspiration too far if we still want to revel in the atmosphere of live music, Sam Booth (AEG Director of Sustainability) claims;

‘There’s no such thing as the perfect, large-scale carbon free event’

In addition to just reducing emissions, ‘carbon-removed’ is likely to be the paradigm shift achievable in the short-term, in theory. Carbon-offsetting is not as easy as suggested, with growing evidence of exaggerated climate benefits claims. Several brands, including Shell, have started to ditch their carbon-offsetting approaches. Certainly an industry level coordinated and targeted approach of reducing emissions and carbon removal will make a bigger difference than relying on a few pioneering artists. 

Going forward, raising awareness is key to industry change. Let’s celebrate the best sustainability approaches so far. Why don’t we have a Concert Sustainability Award at the BRITS to encourage, promote and reward live music that makes an environmental difference? And if I had a vote, it would go to Coldplay.

Coldplay: Dancing their way to sustainability

Coldplay understand their impact, rethinking their carbon footprint for their Music of Sphere tour;

“Playing live and finding connections with people is ultimately why we exist as a band. At the same time, we’re very conscious that the planet is facing a climate crisis” says Coldplay. 

The aim was to reduce carbon emissions by 50% through show production, freight, band and crew travel. However, the band truly stood out from the crowd when they introduced kinetic dancefloors and static bicycles. The energy floors were created to be durable, portable, and use the audience dancing power to charge the batteries running the show. 

Source: Youtube

We can recognise there is a long way to go for the music industry to turn green, with the changes needing to shift from a pioneering few artists to the whole industry. Whether you are feeling inspired or frustrated with live music’s carbon footprint, you can be the change you want to see in the world, so take action yourself by understanding and managing your own concert carbon footprint; The Climate Gig.

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Digital Art and NFT’s: A Sustainable Mix or Environmental Risk? (C21058821)

In an era where technology permeates every aspect of our lives, the realm of art has not been left untouched. In recent years, the art world has witnessed a seismic shift with the advent of digital art. From digital paintings, illustrations, and animations to multimedia installations and virtual reality experiences, artists are experiencing new frontiers and are pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. The emergence of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) in particular, is hailed as a game changer for digital artists and its growing popularity is taking over the art world.

NFTs have revolutionized the way we perceive and consume digital art. But what exactly is an NFT? Essentially, an NFT is a unique digital asset that is authenticated using blockchain technology, allowing artists to tokenize their creations while establishing ownership rights and facilitating a sale in a secure manner. At a first glance, the idea of NFTs might be a complicated notion to conceptualize, but its contributions to digital art offer unprecedented opportunities for creativity and accessibility. However, the sustainability of this booming industry remains a subject of debate.

Although NFTs themselves do not directly contribute to any environmental damage, their production methods can be linked to negative climate impacts. Until recently, the environmental issues associated with NFT art was previously ignored, given the limited scale of this phenomenon. However, with the recent surge in interest and sales of digital assets, the energy consumption of the entire process has escalated significantly.

The Environmental Impact of NFTs: Unveiling the Reality

Source: NowThis Earth on Youtube 2022

Research on NFT trends suggests that as of April 2023, around 5,000 NFTs were being sold daily and the sale revenues would roughly amount to around $15 million. With the increase in the amount of NFT art sales daily, it is consequential for the number of emissions to also increase.

But where do these NFT emissions come from?

Well, the process of minting NFTs and transacting on blockchain networks, particularly those utilizing proof-of-work consensus mechanisms such as Ethereum, consumes a significant amount of energy. This energy-extensive process contributes to carbon emissions exacerbating climate change and raising concerns about the sustainability of NFTs and digital art as a whole. A study conducted by the University of Cambridge estimated that the carbon emissions of the entire Bitcoin network alone exceed those of some countries, thus emphasizing how significant the energy consumption is in blockchain-based systems.

So yes, these seemingly harmless images on the internet can have a huge negative environmental impact. In fact, the average NFT can generate up to 211 kgs of CO2, compared to only an average of 2.3 kgs of CO2 for a piece of print artwork. Hence, an NFT releases 92 times more carbon emissions than a physical piece of art.

To put it into context, below is a graph that compares the average carbon emissions of an NFT, a piece of physical art, and driving a car for 100 miles.

Source: Beth Howell 2022, The Amount of CO2 Emissions an NFT Produces

As it is shown, the amount of CO2 emissions released in generating and storing an NFT is significantly higher than driving 100 miles. For comparison, the sale of a single NFT is the emissions equivalent to driving from the tip of Cornwall, all the way to Newcastle.

The Digital Art industry has been facing the challenge of its carbon footprint for some time already and despite the industry depicting a socially conscious image, much of the artwork being produced has led to an increased pollution problem. To highlight this issue regarding NFT art, artist Memo Akten created CryptoArt.wtf to trace the blockchain activity related to 18,000 works of NFT art, allowing him to create awareness of the sustainability issues, however, the site had to be shut down due to misuse.

Source: Memo Akten 2021, CryptoArt.wtf

It is explicit that more awareness needs to be created to boost the environmental ethos of the Digital Art industry, however, are NFTs and other digital art forms really that unsustainable?

Beyond the Environmental considerations: Economic and cultural sustainability

While environmental sustainability is a crucial aspect, it is essential to recognize that the sustainability of digital art extends beyond carbon footprints. NFTs offer the potential to transform the economic landscape for artists, providing them with new revenue streams, ownership rights, and opportunities for exposure. It can also enhance cultural sustainability by streamlining the preservation and authentication of digital artworks.

Source: CNN on Youtube 2022

Recently, BBC Wales online featured an article highlighting the success of graphic designer Ashley Crossland, who has become one of Wales’ most commercially successful artists overnight, after his work sold for £500,000. The article mentions how digital spaces are more accessible to a wider range of artists and audiences, abolishing the requirement for a gallery or exhibition.

Source: NTF image by Ashley Crossland on BBC Wales

“I think it gained popularity because a lot of people thought there was a lot of potential to sell art in way that was more democratic, so that it would become available to people who don’t have the platform of a gallery.”

Carol Breen 2023, BBC online

Thus, while debates persist regarding the long-term sustainability and environmental impact of NFTs, there’s no denying their transformative potential in reshaping the economic and cultural landscape of the art world.

How can we strike a balance for a sustainable future?

As the Digital Art landscape continues to evolve, the popularity of NFTs will continue to rise and although the economic and cultural benefits of NFTs are sustainable, how do we address the environmental challenges posed by blockchain technologies that consume high amounts of energy?

Since many of the most popular cryptocurrencies depend on energy-inefficient problem-solving systems (Proof-of-work), switching to blockchain technology with lower energy consumption (Proof-of-Stake) can mitigate the negative impact of carbon emissions.

In adopting such sustainable practices, platforms such as Ethereum have transitioned to Proof-of-stake consensus, reducing consumption by 99.95% and PwC has come out with a framework for blockchain sustainability. If the industry continues to promote and adopt such methods, the digital art community can pave the way for a sustainable future where creativity thrives without compromising the health of our planet.

Source: NFT Gallery by OnCyber on ZENFT

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Audio Source: NFT for Newbies Podcast on Spotify

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Bali’s Kecak Dance: Blurred Boundaries between Culture & Tourism (C2096560)

Cak Cak Cak! Welcome to Bali! We are known by many names: Island of Gods, Island of Paradise but perhaps, you may know us more by our other name: Island of Tourists.

Kecak Dance at Uluwatu Temple (author’s own)

The Beauty and The Beast

Bali’s allure lies in its abundance of distinctive culture, which has succeeded in making Bali one of the world’s most popular travel destinations and bringing in 4.3 million tourists in 2023. Given that tourism accounts for 70% of Bali’s GDP, it is apparent that the island relies heavily on the ‘cultural economy’. However, the tourism industry which has so greatly helped, has also caused great suffering to Bali’s culture and environment with tourists generating 3.5 times more plastic waste per capita than locals. Worse yet, Bali’s pollution issue is kept a secret from visitors in order to maintain Bali’s image as a perfect “paradise”. Other issues include tourists disregarding local norms, acting disrespectfully, and even posing or stripping nude at places of worship and cultural shows.

Bali’s beaches polluted by plastic (photo source: Johannes Christo/Reuters)

Culture vs. Economy

Take example the Kecak Dance, one of Bali’s oldest cultures and most well-known tourist attractions. Don’t be fooled by the name for it is not just a dance. Originally conceived as a dance and musical, it is based on an ancient Balinese ritual (Sanghyang) for exorcism or repelling evil spirits. That is why, prior to the dance, a priest bestows a blessing on one of the actors so that he does not feel pain during the scenes that involve fire. The only “music” utilised came from 50–60 men (who are referred to as the dancers – yes they also dance!) singing “Cak! Cak! Cak!”. It is said that these dancers are not conscious and are thought to be communicating with the gods or ancestral spirits. Even more uniquely, the “set” was at one of Bali’s temples, overlooking the sea and using the natural sunlight as its lighting.

Photo source: Nyuh Bali Villas

The dance made its debut in 1930 as a result of the collaboration between German painter, Walter Spies, and Balinese dancer, Wayan Limbak, who wanted to produce a dramatic interpretation of the Sanghayang. The dance has been popular ever since they took the invention on a global tour. Although Bali has benefited from it in terms of tourism, it has also reinforced a sense of boundary among the Balinese between what they do for themselves and what they do for tourists. In fact, the Kecak Dance itself is not popular amongst Balinese audiences as they see it as more of an “act” for the economy.

The argument seems fair when considering the fact, what was once an elaborate ceremony performed for the gods has now evolved into a display for mortals to enjoy. Some even used the performance to do wedding proposals! The dance was no longer an offering to the gods, but an entertainment for tourists, and a divider for the society.

So, who are you performing for?

Photo by Jeffry Surianto on Pexels.com

Thus, one begins to wonder: who benefits from the cultural economy? Yes, in places like Bali where they depend on their culture to grow economically, the cultural economy benefits society as a whole. Nonetheless, it is also important to think about how packaging a culture for tourists may affect society and the culture itself. I believe that the development of tourism in Bali should be improved, and that its development must also ensure the protection of the culture and society.

I will always remember the day I saw the Kecak Dance. It was an honour to be able to get a closer look at and experience Balinese philosophy, culture, and life. I hope that the Kecak Dance will continue to be a performance that educates others about Bali while also serving as a source of pride for Balinese culture; an example and proof that Bali is more than just the Island of Tourists.

Shopping Your Wardrobe: Unveiling Fashions Environmental Impact And What Can Be Done To Improve It (21086032)

Cover Image Source: freepik.com

The fashion industry has recently undergone a tremendous shift due to the growing focus on sustainability and the change in consumer consciousness. This is driven by the increase in the cost of living crisis and customers wanting something more sustainable and less expensive. 

In a study carried out by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, findings revealed that within just a year, half of the products from the fast fashion industry end up discarded in waste bins. Astonishingly, the global textile and clothing sector contributes to an excess of 94 million tonnes of waste. It is predicted that this figure may go up to 148 million by the year 2030, according to the Global Fashion Agenda. The recent pandemic also played a factor in increasing waste due to the thousands of stock items that were cancelled in Bangladesh. According to Earth.org, 85% of textile waste is sent to landfills. As a result of these problems, consumers have turned to second-hand clothing to tackle them and be more sustainable. 

According to the annual Transparency Index published by Fashion Revolution, the largest brands and retailers to share their social and environmental policies were H&M, Adidas, Patagonia, Marks & Spencer, and Reebok. According to the report, it was discovered that 55% of the top 200 brands in the industry share their annual carbon footprint on their website, with only 19% sharing what their emissions are within the supply chain. 

Leading the Change: H&M’s Innovative Approach to Sustainable Fashion

Source: Reuters on YouTube

To address the environmental impact of fast fashion and promote sustainability, H&M has taken significant steps towards establishing circular business models. One notable initiative is its partnership with ThredUp, a leading online resale platform. Through this collaboration, H&M launched its resale service called “H&M Pre-Loved,” marking its entry into the e-commerce market. This initiative offers customers a convenient avenue to shop for pre-owned clothing across various categories.

By embracing ThredUp’s Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) programme, H&M demonstrates its commitment to promoting circularity within the fashion industry. Through this initiative, the brand aims to extend the lifespan of garments and reduce waste by giving used clothing a second chance at being cherished.

The Head of Sustainability at H&M North America highlights the need for the fashion industry to take responsibility for its environmental impact and acknowledges the role that circularity can play in mitigating this impact.

“We need to take responsibility for the impact fashion has on climate and the environment. Circular business models can help us reduce and limit this negative impact while continuing to deliver fashion and style for our customers.”

Abigail Kammerzell, Head of Sustainability at H&M North America

How can we become more conscious of our fashion decisions? 

While the rise of sustainable initiatives within the fashion industry is undeniably promising, there is a potential threat of overconsumption, presenting a new challenge for the sector. Helen, the founder of Sustainable Fashion Wales, interprets the term “sustainable fashion” differently. She advocates for a shift towards “shopping our wardrobes” and emphasises the importance of reducing our consumption in the first place.

Source: Vice Asia on YouTube

Helen further emphasizes the significance of reevaluating our shopping habits and minimizing our reliance on fast fashion. By shopping our wardrobes and extending the lifespan of our clothing, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint. “Whilst second-hand is great for reducing the need for new, we need to stop consuming so much in the first place,” she said.

It’s essential to recognize that behaviour change is key to transitioning from a fast fashion throwaway culture to one that prioritizes sustainability. While Wales may face limitations in addressing the global challenges of fast fashion, individual actions can collectively make a significant impact. By embracing conscious wardrobe practices and advocating for sustainable fashion choices, we can contribute to a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible fashion industry.

Unlock the Hidden Gems in Your Wardrobe: Creative Tips for Shopping Your Closet

Photo by Cottonbro Studio from Pexels.com

You will be surprised at what you can create out of old clothes that may be sitting at the back of your wardrobe. Here are some tips to help you get creative with your closet:

• Transform Dresses into Skirts: Give new purpose to dresses that may have lost their charm or no longer fit perfectly. With a few adjustments, such as removing the top portion and resizing the waistline, you can effortlessly turn a tired dress into a chic A-line skirt.
• Embellish with Lace and Fringe: Revitalise tired pieces by adding delicate touches like lace to blouse cuffs or fringe to skirt hems. These simple embellishments can breathe fresh elegance into garments, especially those with worn edges, offering a stylish update to your wardrobe staples.
• Infuse Vibrancy with Dye: Don’t let stains or discolouration hold back your favourite pieces. Inject new life into garments by dyeing them in vibrant hues. Transform a stained shirt into a bold statement piece with a splash of colour, giving it a refreshed appearance and extending its lifespan.

With these innovative techniques, you can shop your wardrobe with renewed enthusiasm and creativity, reducing your reliance on fast fashion and embracing a more sustainable approach to personal style.

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