It was a matter of time before DJs and label get concerned and loud about protecting the environment. After minimalizing techno music, Richie Hawtin has decided to minimalize his impact on the planet.
Ahead of the scene when it comes to music, experimentation and new technologies, Hawtin fully supports digital download as clearly written in a statement released recently in his name and his labels Minus and Plus 8.
" In response to the times we live in, and due to the ever-increasing amount of proof regarding the impact of human activity on our planet, I am pleased to announce our current environmental initiative. The aim of this strategy is to one day becomea carbon neutral company. I also hope that our efforts will both encourage and inspire other musicians, DJ’s & entertainment related companies/individuals to find their own ways to limit their impact on global climate change.
Richie Hawtin AIR TRAVEL
(...) Since January 1st of this year, in cooperation with Berlin based Atmosfair (http://www.atmosfair.de/), we have been offsetting all of my flight carbon emissions. In addition, these offsets have been recently extended to cover all air travel made by Minus employees.
Carbon Offsetting is the concept of buying carbon credits against one’s CO2 emissions to become carbon neutral. These carbon offsets are then used to contribute toward Atmosfair’s various environmentally conscious worldwide projects that adhere to the internationally accepted Gold Standard certification rules (http://www.cdmgoldstandard.org/).
I feel that carbon offsetting should be used in conjunction with other courses of action to minimise our global footprint. Therefore we are continuing to investigate alternative ways of reducing our combined CO2 output through alternative travel choices such as the use of public transport, cars, trains, bikes and combined artist bus tours such as the “Minus Min2MAX2006 USA Bus Tour”. We have also introduced other personal and internal office initiatives such as “green” sustainable electricity suppliers.
Minus MANUFACTURING IMPACT
In realistic terms we are still a music company whose revenue is generated from manufacturing items that are unfortunately harmful to the environment. Most of this damage can be attributed to the manufacturing of vinyl records and compact discs.
While we will continue to support the older paradigm of music lovers and release most major releases on vinyl and/or CD,we have meanwhile focused our attention on the packaging of these products.
All new 2007 Minus/Plus 8 vinyl & CDreleases have been packaged in either sustainable FSC (www.fscus.org) certified papers and/or a combination of recycledpapers. In addition we have also introduced a new CD packaging design that contains no plastics. We are also taking steps to introduce these types of papers into other areas of the company, and encouraging many of ourworldwide partners & promoters to also be more conscious of the available alternatives.
We will also continue to strengthen our support of digital download technologies that promote a more environmentallyfriendly music distribution system. Currently we are introducing the entire Minus catalogue on our new online store(www.m-nus.com), as well as working with our partner Beatport (www.beatport.com) to ensure viable digital alternatives topurchasing physical goods.
Listen differently, download digitally!
As there is always new research and data in the ever changing area of global climate change, we will continue to evaluateour position and the steps that we can make towards being as environmentally friendly and as neutral as possible.
Sincerely,
Richie Hawtin, President Minus Inc. / Plus 8 Records Ltd. / Minus Multimedia GmbH"
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