climate statement.
Palaver Strings is committed to becoming a more environmentally sustainable organization. We strive to educate each other and our Palaver Music Center students about the benefits of reducing consumption.
Air Travel
the impact
The United Nations aviation body projects that airplane CO₂ emissions reached over 900 million metric tons in 2018, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. There is a vast imbalance between the carbon footprint for those who can afford to fly and those who cannot — only 6% of the world's population has ever flown. Taking one flight from London to New York City generates more CO₂ than citizens in many countries generate in an entire year.
We pledge to travel by bus, train, and land-based public transit whenever possible. If air travel is required, we pledge to purchase carbon offsets from a certified provider.
Car Travel
the impact
The transport sector is responsible for 23% of global emissions. Urban transport is the single greatest source and is growing, largely because the use of cars is on the rise. For every one hundred cars being driven to work in the United States today, only five carry another commuter.
We pledge to carpool with other ensemble members to and from all Palaver-related events whenever possible. In addition, we pledge to reduce unnecessary travel by having one-time meetings online.
Sustainable Food
the impact
The agriculture industry and deforestation are responsible for about a third of the world's human-produced carbon emissions. According to a 2016 study from the University of Oxford, business-as-usual emissions could be reduced by as much as 70% by adopting a vegan diet or by 63% with a vegetarian diet.
We pledge to eat plant-based group meals with organic, locally-grown food whenever possible. At the Palaver Music Center, we pledge to swap disposable plates, cups, utensils, and paper towels for reusables and offer healthy snacks for our students.
Additional Commitments
We pledge to purchase merchandise from sustainable clothing and apparel companies · show up to rehearsals and concerts with liquids only in reusable cups and bottles · vote in every local election cycle · compost and recycle at all Palaver rehearsals and retreats whenever infrastructure at our partner sites is available.
Resources
Palaver Strings · Sustainability Commitment