May 25, 2010 - Reverb: Big Artists, Big Impact

Reverb works to make your favorite artists' tours greener.  Husband-and-wife team Adam Gardner and Lauren Sullivan created this non-profit to help you be a little more eco-friendly while you rock out.

Lauren Sullivan works with megastars like John Mayer, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jack Johnson but she isn't a manager, producer or paparazzi. She's a professional greener. Her non-profit organization, Reverb, co-founded by Sullivan and husband Adam Gardner, works with artists to make their concerts more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Based in Portland, Maine and established in 2004, Reverb is the result of Gardner and Sullivan's unique talents- Gardner is guitarist for rock group Guster and Sullivan holds a MA in Environmental Education.  Sullivan said, "It's not about making money and [is] more about connecting with bands and fans while using a platform to put a good word out and create change." Reverb has worked on over 80 tours and consults with other music industry businesses.

Reverb's team educates concertgoers and implements sustainability measures. Sullivan said, "The biggest thing is carpooling for the fans coming to and from the show. It's a great way to create community and people can get in and out faster. Another thing Reverb is offering is sourcing local food and working with local farmers. From an artists perspective, reusable water bottles and water stations are huge."

The couples' green enthusiasm carries into their personal life. They lives in a small apartment, eats local and organic food, composts and recycles. They limit their transportation to one car, and both prefer to walk or bike to work.

Sullivan and Gardner plan on growing the company "intelligently and slowly," by honing the work and impact they have on visitors and artists. The non-profit plans to add new educational elements and bring new green elements to the back of the house. Sullivan said, "Reverb hopes to revolutionize the music industry and the way they go green."

To volunteer with Reverb or find out more, visit www.reverb.org or catch them as they tour this summer with Phish, Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson.

Danielle Stowe is a writer for the Green Guide Network. She can be reached at daniellestowe@gmail.com.