In 1997, the band created the environmental organization the Waterwheel Foundation which supports selected non-profits from each city the band performs in. Proceeds are taken from donations, as well as sales of merchandise bearing their logo. In its fifteen year history, the foundation has donated over half a million dollars to more than 300 groups nationwide. Each non-profit group has social and environmental services.

Morisette became a vegan in 2008. This impacted her outlook on many social issues including the environment. She has narrated several shows on PBS that target environmental change and education such as 2009’s “The Great Change.” Along with many other well known musicians, she has joined the group REVERB, which monitors and helps limit the impact on the environment that artists have while touring. She has also openly opposed US oil companies drilling in Alaska.

Over the years, Coldplay has continuously been quite vocal about their beliefs on environmental protection as well as fair trade, using the stage as a promotional platform. Recently, the band partnered with ClientEarth, a group that enforces environmental laws throughout different countries, working with local governments and local green groups. The band has also pioneered strategies such as carbon neutral CDs and tree planting in areas that struggle economically.

In 2009, Moby performed a free show in MTV Europe’s “Campaign to Stop,” which targets climate change awareness amongst people ages 15-34. Moby also became visibly involved with Al Gore during his production of the environmentally conscious movie “An Inconvenient Truth”.

Legend has gone the extra mile to make all his tours as green as possible. Beginning in 2009, he teamed up with REVERB, a non-profit organization that has helped him keep his tours as environmentally friendly as possible, getting fans involved with things like carpooling. His website includes other tips for concert goers on how to help out, giving prize incentives. He was also part of President Obama’s Green Inaugural Ball which promoted the then president’s support of sustainable energy

Thom Yorke, the lead singer for the band Radiohead, has been involved with several efforts to bring awareness to the changing environment. His group is known for promoting as many environmentally conscious actions as possible while on tour, including using biofuel on tour buses. They also try to get their fans and concert goers involved in their efforts by playing shows where the venues are supported by public transportation. In 2009, Yorke attended the UNCCC in Copenhagen.

Crow, like so many other artists, has found ways to limit her carbon footprint by refining her tour practices. Reusable water bottles have been used by the crew and her group has developed the use of compostable materials when possible. She estimates that she has removed more than one million pounds of CO2 through recent efforts to make her music sustainable.

The lead singer for the band U2 has long been outspoken for the causes he believes in which include many environmental issues; he even drives a car which runs on ethanol. Bono has also developed a clothing line called EDUN, which promotes fair working conditions for its employees while also being conscious of the local environment. The entire band has been active with the group Greenpeace, and together they protested a nuclear power plant that was scheduled to open in England.

​ The group is a part of Music for Relief, an organization whose cited mission is to support disaster relief and reduce global warming. They have joined forces with Habitat for Humanity to make green housing accessible to those who would otherwise have no place to live. The band is also bringing awareness to deforestation by helping groups such as American Forests Global ReLeaf Program.