By Sarah Pickthall

Every small action disabled music creatives take can contribute to a larger change, amplifying the message and practice of sustainability in the industry. 

That said, this needs an organisation like Attitude is Everything to: 

• Continue to work at the interface of access and climate sustainability for and with disabled music creatives, raising awareness in the industry of disability-led and informed points of view

• Encourage stakeholders in the music industry to become more aware of this intersection, and the additional relationship between climate justice and disability justice. And ensure that disabled people are central to the debate through the No Climate Action Without Us toolkit iterations 

‘It would be helpful if there was some sort of guide on how to be sustainable as a disabled artist – a checklist or suggestions; and some sort of directory of companies and initiatives we can contact, sorted into different groups for what services they offer – of people who are climate responsible?’ 

The following suggestions and recommendations have emerged from our surveys, discussions, and research, and are a first set of ideas for disabled music creatives to explore. Additional resourcing will be needed to underpin some of the actions proposed.   

In particular, regular training and/or meet- ups for disabled music creatives to develop and progress their ideas and find solutions.  

What can I do?  

Commit to: 

1. Talking openly and candidly about the difficulties that disabled music creatives face when trying to action environmentally sustainable measures and still make commitments to change to climate sustainability however small 
2. Exploring climate justice and disability justice together, talking about it through your work and with other disabled music creatives: 

• In debates and facilitated conversations  

• In your promotional spaces online and across your publicity, including your merchandise 

• Through shaping a Green Access Rider sharing your access needs and values on climate together in one document. (There is a sample Green Rider available in appendix 5.) The rider is a way to share your environmental values upfront and puts you in partnership with the venue or event, sharing responsibility for sustainability  

Choose to: 

1. Purchase eco-friendly materials wherever you can and whenever you can afford to do so: 

• Team up or buy in bulk buy second-hand instruments or equipment and explore ways of prolonging the life of equipment you have through 3D printing or sharing what you have in different ways with others 
• Align your values with eco-sustainable practices 

2. Invest in local and sustainable business providers and eco-conscious brands, which can strengthen community ties and reduce transport emissions

3. Eco your merchandise where you can: 

• Choose items made from organic, ethically sourced, second hand, or recycled or upcycled materials 

• Invest in reusable items but use single-use products whenever you need to, as an exception for your access needs 

4. Make decisions around catering that centre your own requirements, but use local, sustainable food sources where possible 

• Share food, cook and eat communally at venues and on tour. This not only reduces food waste but promotes community 

• Choose reusable options for cutlery and crockery. If this isn’t possible, seek out compostable or recyclable items, but only if they are accessible to you 

5. Use digital tools and platforms providing ways of collaborating that don’t require travel and therefore have lower impact  

• Use collaboration apps to help connect you with other musicians sharing your ideas and solutions. 

• Stream your music reducing the carbon footprint associated with physical products 

6. Explore more sustainable eco-friendly transport options: if it isn’t possible to use public transport, is it possible to car-share?   

• Carpool with band members or crew to reduce the number of cars on the road  

• Choose low emission options including electric cars and cabs where you can 

7. Become an advocate and model good practice 

• Raise awareness by using your platform to promote environmental issues live and through social media  

• Share information about sustainability practices and solutions, and the importance of protecting the planet 

• Collaborate with environmental causes, partnering with organisations focused on environmental advocacy. Your music can help raise awareness and funds for these causes 

8. Encourage accessible practices  

• Be part of developing, shaping and sharing resources on sustainability in the industry that are accessible to other disabled people 

• Lobby relevant disability interest organisations and partners with more resources to support you 

9. Engage with your local community  

• Work with local artists, musicians, and community members on sustainable projects together or events that highlight local issues and solutions 

• Mentor others by sharing your knowledge and experiences with others about integrating sustainability as a disabled music creative  

10. Find your balance: 

• Sustain yourself whilst also sustaining the planet – make selfcare a priority to prevent burnout  

• Find the ‘easy wins’ and the actions that work for you – they may inspire others 

• Reflect on your progress. Find your ‘go to people’ to learn with and to help you assess and improve your practices