Recording Studio Tree Sound studios is doing their part to Protect Southern forests and change the world.

Last week at SXSW there were some folks doing great things for the environment, but one I want to highlight is TreeSound Studios and TreeLeaf Music , a green studio and music label based out of Atlanta, Georgia. Paul Diaz, president of TreeSound Studios, was on the panel “Greening the Music Industry ,” and had wonderful tips to share.

Tree Sound studios is brainchild of Paul Diaz and began 20 years ago with a powerful mission: to combine music with environmental consciousness. Musicians, Diaz reasoned, would be willing and able to influence whole generations of people on environmental matters. Today, the company has grown into the largest recording facility in Atlanta, with a client list the likes of Elton John, Outkast and scores of other musical giants who share an interest in being green.

In addition to using sustainably made packaging (a great example of how possible this is!) and in the spirit of continuous improvement, Tree Sound Studios has committed to offsetting 100% of their electricity related CO2 emissions from 2006 forward. That means that any album produced at their Norcross, GA facility will be made with renewable energy.

They are taking further steps to be green by using LED and compact fluorescents where possible in the studio. They are using Seventh Generation cleaning products, which are biodegradable and also recycled office supplies. Their newest planned endeavor is planting an organic herb, spice and vegetable garden on site to help educate and feed thier staff and clients and enjoy the peace of nature. In 2007 they hope to get the roof lined with solar panels and be making biodiesel for bands on the road. Last but not least, Tree now plants a tree everyday and one for every ticket sold to their live events.

Talk about setting trends in the music industry, Tree Sound studios is definitely taking the lead. Thanks for all your doing!

Time and time again the music industry has set the standards in many realms from fighting censorship to defining culture. Big music labels like Sony and Universal, who are buying paper from Endangered Southern forests, should take the lead to reduce the amount of paper in packaging; increase post consumer fiber used for packaging; and ensure that paper products are not coming from endangered forests.

The paper packaging industry needs reform, and the music industry could lead the way leading to protection of millions of acres of endangered forests in the Southern US and throughout the world. Deforestation is the leading cause of global climate change, creating 25% of the carbon in the atmosphere! That’s why we went to South X Southwest last week in Austin, TX, to break into the music biz and ensure the protection of our forests for future generation.

Last week I gave you a few highlights from the amazing folks we met who are also working to Green the Music industry, and we’re all very impressed with eachothers work. We know that together with an industry known for its innovation we can develop simple and creative solutions to solve the packaging problem.