BOTTLE FREE BAND CONTEST

How would you use the green tour grant to make your tour green and reduce bottled water waste?

Our WVO (waste vegetable oil) powered tour bus died in Missouri between festivals last year and after five years of loyal service and a gut wrenching cost benefit analysis we had to sell her to a local rather than try and get her home. Sad day indeed. We would use the funds to acquire a new more eco-friendly long range touring vehicle to replace our designated short range vehicle which is not. 1. We have been involved with Reverb directly speaking about WVO on cruise ships where the carbon footprint and lack of awareness is astounding. 2. We have been involved with New Belgium Brewing as performers on the Tour de Fat festivals who were pioneers in the initial advocacy of the corn (not plastic) cup which is now seen at festivals everywhere.3. We have done over 100,000 miles on WVO instead of diesel and advised and encouraged many bands on how to make the switch and hunt for fuel. 4.We have recycled every can and bottle (and strongly utilized and advocated alternatives) we have ever consumed even if it meant hauling it around in cargo bays on our bus. Those little things add up.

How do you encourage your fans to take on more sustainable habits?

Mostly by example. Over the last decade we have played well over 1000 shows and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles across two continents and the thing that stands out is the ever increasing awareness of these issues. While the pace of change is still stunted politically the actions of fans, venues and festival/event planners alike is evident. We as a band have always tried to encourage these activities at the planning level when involved and on the public level as both performers and venue owners. www.appaloosagrill.com

http://www.oakhurstmusic.com

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