As musicians and responsible citizens, we all have a responsibility to take care of our planet. Some of the most respectable artists out there, including Jack Johnson, wear their eco friendly principles on their sleeves. Others make a respectable effort to support the cause by appearing in concerts like Live Earth and calling for green communities to come together and make a difference.

So while the stars can offset the carbon emissions of their concerts and jet planes - where does that leave the rest of us who don't lead the glamorous life of a rock star? (at least not yet!) It all comes down to thinking smarter and making the eco principles of your daily life a part of your act.

Here are some tips to get you started:

Switch off and unplug - be smart about your energy. Switch off and unplug instruments and equipment when they're not in use. Try using acoustic instruments to write and practice your songs until you're ready to develop the whole sound.

Green your tour - getting around to gigs can really dial up your carbon emissions. Consider greener transport options such as a low emissions vehicle or even trying mass transit to get to venues.

Get involved in green communities - green communities are the perfect way to get in the know of the eco minded. You can get involved with eco festivals and events, even if you're not playing! Meet like minded artists and work together to spread the word.

Spread the eco theme - whether you're busking on a busy city corner or playing to a packed out concert hall, environmental messages ring loud and clear. "A songwriter can do a lot to prick the conscience of their fans," says country music sensation John Williamson who has written effective songs with eco themes including "Rip Rip Woodchip", "Goodbye Blinky Bill" to save koalas which are featured in the greatest hits John Williamson CD.

Green your marketing - promotion is important to get people to your gigs, but can you imagine how many music fliers end up in the landfill? Do what you can to ensure your marketing is greener - use recycled paper or stick to promoting your performances online. Use organic cotton or sustainable hemp for merchandising.

Support green musicians - buy CDs and music that come in eco friendly packaging, attend concerts and support acts that have offset their own emissions. If fans bond together and make a statement that environmental principles matter, the music industry as a whole will take note.

Some musicians go as far to say "don't tour" - that's the greenest you can get. However, keep in mind that your personal footprint is just a tiny part of the bigger picture. By spreading the word and your music - you could reach hundreds or thousands of people and encourage them to make a change in their own lives for the better. The most important way to make a difference is to be personally committed to your own eco friendly principles.

Written by Paige Green, 2010

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Paige Green is an eco warrior who writers for Sanity Entertainment. 

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