May 5, 2010 - The Giving Tree Band - A Band with a Green Heart

The Giving Tree Band makes great music that is great for the environment.  The band has America's first carbon neutral album and a unique sound sure to charm environmentalists and music lovers alike.

With their rare combination of charm, heart and soul, the Giving Tree Band has quickly earned a reputation for their folksy music and green initiatives in music and environmental circles alike.

They are often hailed as the "Greenest Band in America" but member Todd Fink is quick to point out that accolades were never a motivation behind their numerous green actions. "It's always surprising when people say that we're the greenest band in America because that was something we were never thinking about. The green initiatives were really sincere when we founded the band 5 years ago. All the actions are a reflection of our personal values," Todd said. Todd and his brother Eric, the founding members of the band, eat a vegan organic diet, maintain a zero-waste policy in their home and keep their possessions to a minimum.

Founded five years ago, the Giving Tree Band sprung from the Fink brothers' desire to create a band conscious of its environmental impact.  All of the bands albums use 100% post-consumer packaging and non-toxic inks. All of the energy and pollution the band creates while producing, recording and traveling is offset by planting trees and investing in renewable wind energy.  On the road, the band uses biodiesel and eats local, vegetarian meals. Perhaps the most pertinent use of recycled materials is in the instruments, made from recycled and reclaimed wood, that are the lifeblood of the band.

These instruments give the band its folksy sound resonating with spirit and emotion. Their sound is timeless, reminiscent of Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and infused with joie de vivre and respect for nature. With eight members, Todd said that the band "quickly learned to check their egos at the door." However, each person also plays a valuable role in shaping the sound of the band. "Everyone has different backgrounds and when you put them together, it's a sound that's greater than the sum of its parts," he said.

Catch the band on their summer tour or visit them at www.thegivingtreeband.com.

(photos by Tracy Graham)

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