Saving Us From Ourselves: Jack Johnson As Inspiration

Contrary to what perceptions might be, environmentalism does not always equal extremism. Being environmentally conscious does not mean forsaking your interests and living in a shack in the woods. It is important, though, to be increasingly aware of the impact that you and your actions are making.

Yesterday morning, XPN made mention of Jack Johnson's initiatives for "Tour Greening." Jack Johnson is concerned for the environment. But that doesn't mean that he's going to give up touring because of the waste it creates. Instead, he's thinking about ways he and his fans can reduce the damage being done to the environment because of his shows. With suggestions including considering alternative transportation options and purchasing CO2 offsets (and providing a link to do so at the time of ticket purchase), his commendable efforts to raise his fans' environmental consciousness should be applauded. Cynics might say that this is a marketing ploy, but Johnson's efforts go beyond the issue of concert attendance. Not only was his current album Sleep Through The Static recorded using 100% solar energy, his record label Brushfire Records operates with the constant goal of being environmentally responsible. Also, he has created AllAtOnce.org to serve as a community aimed at providing "information, tools, and motivation for individuals who want to become active in their local and world community."

So, while we all can't go out and join Greenpeace (nor would most of us want to), what we can do is continually be thinking about our personal impact on the world and determining ways to alleviate or reduce the damage being done. Whether it is the big decision to drive a Prius or the small choice to buy recycled paper made from post-consumer waste, we all need to be making more conscious decisions for our own lives in support of the environment. By all means, we should continue to do what we love, which of course includes attending concerts and buying music. But while living our lives, it is important to remember that our actions have impact. So let's take the cue from Jack Johnson and start training ourselves to be thinking in terms of steps we can personally take to protect our environment.

Image via JackJohnsonMusic.com.