Lately there has been just one thing on my mind.  Okay, two things.  First, is the approaching warm weather (oh hurry up, please!)  and second,  the upcoming Phish tour.  I saw my first Phish show at Waterloo Village when I was 14, thanks to my older brother Carson.  And, having been dreadfully excluded from the recent three-night Hampton run (obviously a band oversight) I am aching for the two upcoming summer shows that I was able to score tickets for in Camden, New Jersey and Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. 

I’ll be doing what I can to green my concert-going.   Camden is just across the river from Philadelphia, so my crew and I will be gathering at a friend’s house, preparing an afternoon barbeque from the local Italian market, drinking some local Yards beer, and going by foot and ferry to the concert. The Burgettstown show is about five hours from Philly, so I’ll be carpooling with friends, and spending the night at a nearby campground.

But it makes me wonder what the band is up to with their green endeavors.  Hmmm… I started to Google.  I have to admit, I was holding my breath… could this band that means so much to me, for so many reasons, not be going green in this day and age?! 

Sigh of relief.  In fact, I can have my Phish and be green.

The WaterWheel Foundation, created by the band in 1997, has donated more than $1 million to 29 organizations working on issues such as land conservation, environmental advocacy, activism, and education, to support Lake Champlain and its watershed in their home state of Vermont.   All of the proceeds from the sale of Phish Food contribute to this cause.  As well, the volunteer-based Phish Green Crew is live and in effect, and made their appearance over the weekend at the Hampton Reunion shows. The Green Crew helps to clean up show parking lots, and maintain trash and recycling bins at concert venues (although I haven’t been able to figure out where to sign up to volunteer myself).  Also, Phish is working with Reverb to help green the summer tour.  Reverb is a non-profit environmental organization, rooted in music and environmental communities, with a mission to educate and engage musicians and their fans to promote environmental sustainability.  In an effort to help fans reduce their carbon footprint, Phish and Reverb have created a rideshare program to help fans connect and carpool to upcoming shows (sorry guys – my car is full!) 

So, I am happy.  Phish is back on tour, and I can indulge in my summertime, foot-stomping, fresh-air-breathing, road-trip-taking, heart-pumping, friendship-bonding, music-loving upcoming concert endeavors... worry free.  If you have any ideas on how to green the summer concert scene, drop a few comments below. Let’s talk about it.  I hope to see you at the shows!