Rubbish to Resource

It’s recently become standard practice for tech crews to replace every guitar string and every battery before every show. This is understandable as a matter of risk management, although it could easily be reduced. But it creates a major waste stream of metal and chemicals that have barely been used, not to mention the energy used to mine and manufacture them.

Reusing is always better than recycling, especially for high-quality goods. The best solution is to find people who are looking for exactly what you don’t need anymore - gifting makes everyone feel good!

In 2015, Green Music Australia worked with Music NT who, through their Bush Bands Program and other projects, distributed old music gear to First Nations bands and musicians in remote communities.

We encourage all artists to donate and promote the reuse of old gear. Consider reaching out to:

Charities such as Sistema Australia, the Australian Children’s Music Foundation or Guitars Gathering Dust, who all donate instruments to people in need
Localised gifting groups such as Buy Nothing
Op shops or online platforms such as Givit, which help Australians give exactly what’s needed to communities across the country
The music department of a local high school
Community youth centres
If you’re based in Victoria, your local FReeZA youth group
A local conservatorium or music school

Donating is a low-effort way to reduce your environmental impact while simultaneously helping others in need.

“One of the key issues with music in the desert is the lack of access to gear and maintenance of gear. The opportunity to provide a supply of strings and batteries would make a significant difference to musicians across the region who are unable to access this type of equipment and so find their instruments unable to be used on a regular basis. Something as small as this would make a significant impact.”

Mark Smith, Music NT’s Executive Director in 2015

RUBBISH TO RESOURCE

Rubbish to resource

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