Greetings, Friday Fivers.
I’m trying to write this while also watching the most beautiful sunrise I’ve ever seen from my apartment. It’s quite distracting – I’m downright giddy over it – but also ties into today’s theme. This edition of the Friday 5 from Music Therapy Source is focused on sustainability and the environment. The world is beautiful, and we can do our part to keep it that way. Or more realistically/hopefully, rehabilitate it.
Sustainable Guitar Picks and Sticks
The next time I need guitar picks, I’m going to check out Magic Room Brand. This company is making musical products with the environment in mind. As someone who has purchased hundreds of plastic guitar picks, I’m excited and hopeful about this alternative.
What I’m Reading – The Environmentally Conscious Guitarist
Here is an excellent article from Premier Guitar, which shares some useful information like what to do with batteries and guitar strings, busted equipment, and more. I also appreciate their take on tonewoods.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
There are so many instruments out in the world. I know there is something special about that “new guitar smell”…I’ve purchased many new guitars in my career…but what if we were more intentional about using instruments like guitars for their full lifespan, which could be a century or more? There are some great options. Craigslist, Reverb, you might even have some luck through the Buy Nothing Project. Similarly, what instruments/gear do you have in your home that might be sellable or gift-worthy?
What I’m Reading – Offsetting the Ecological Footprint of Music Festivals
“We are super aware that festivals have a bad ecological footprint,” Myriam Charconnet, head of festival communications, explains through a translator. “Each year we’re trying to get better at it and be more responsible.” Article here.
What I’m Listening To
Two songs: Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) by Marvin Gaye and Litter Bug by Alvie & the Breakfast Pigs. Heads up, some passionate and explicit lyrics in that last one 😉
