Music Streaming and the Environmental Impact
By: Iz Ordonez-Orschel ('25)
According to Statistica, about 70% of adults (18+) reported listening to music every day. On the surface, this number doesn’t seem concerning, however this is over 5 billion people. With a product as abundant as music, there are bound to be environmental concerns.
To understand the environmental impact of streaming music, we should first understand how this music is produced. According to the CBC (the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation), when you stream music, your “devices access electronic files that are stored on active, cooled servers sitting inside data centres around the world.” These centres require large amounts of energy to transmit this information. Overall, 3-4% of the global carbon footprint is due to streaming.
One would think that streaming music rather than buying physical music (vinyl, cassettes, etc.) would be more sustainable, however this isn’t the case. Although physical media requires the use of plastic and factories, our society’s overwhelming dependance on streaming has a significant impact on the environment. According to Keele University professor Sharon George, the carbon emissions from 5 hours of streaming (the average per person per day) is the same as 1 plastic CD, and 17 hours is equivalent to 1 vinyl record. When looking at the numbers at this scale, not much concern is brought up, but let’s look at an example. According to New Statesman, the carbon emissions from the song “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo between January 2021 and January 2023 is greater than the carbon emissions of flying from London to New York and back 4,000 times. Now imagine the impact of over 100 million songs on just Spotify alone.
Although these numbers are scary, that doesn’t mean that everyone should stop listening to music as it is an important part of everyone’s culture and everyday life. So, what can we do to reduce the carbon emissions created from streaming music? If you want to buy physical music or media, buying second hand is a great option. Although costly, buying used vinyl or cassettes is quite sustainable. If you wish to stick to digital music or streaming, there are a few things you can do. According to Simon Fraser University professor Laura Marks, using fewer devices and streaming on smaller devices such as phones will help with the carbon emissions created from streaming music. Furthermore, downloading music instead of streaming it via the internet every time is much more sustainable. In fact, according to Rolling Stone magazine, downloading music reduces the CO2 emissions created from listening to music by as much as 80%.
Overall, listening to music is a huge part of everyday life, but as with any other product, it comes with an environmental impact. About 3-4% of the global carbon footprint comes from streaming media. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone should stop listening to music, there are many different methods to reduce these carbon emissions, for example buying physical media second hand, downloading music rather than streaming it, and listening on smaller devices.
​
Sources:
https://www.cbc.ca/music/the-environmental-impact-of-music-streaming-explained-1.6843948
https://www.statista.com/statistics/749666/music-listening-habits-age-usa/
Music review
Sam Morris 4/20/23
As we embark on a new year (don't worry that it's already April), it's the perfect time to reflect on the musical landscape that defined the past year. From thought-provoking hip-hop to introspective indie rock, 2022 was a great year for music, at least for my tastes. Here are my top 10 tracks of last year, in descending order:
10) "Shotgun" by Soccer Mommy
A standout track from Soccer Mommy's latest album, "Shotgun" is an indie rock anthem that exudes energy and charisma. With its driving guitar riff and catchy chorus, it's impossible not to dance along. The lyrics are contemplative and relatable, making it an ideal track for any mood.
9) "Diet Coke" by Pusha T
Pusha T's "Diet Coke" is a gritty and introspective hip-hop track that showcases the rapper's exceptional lyrical prowess. The dark and menacing beat sets the tone for Pusha's commanding flow, addressing themes of loss and addiction. This is a song that deserves recognition for its raw authenticity and honesty, as does the rest of his most recent album, "It's Almost Dry."
8) "Sidelines" by Phoebe Bridgers
Phoebe Bridgers is known for her soulful and melancholic indie folk, and "Sidelines" is a beautiful representation of her talent. The stripped-back instrumentation and haunting vocals create an intimate and emotional atmosphere. This is a song that touches on themes of heartbreak and self-reflection, making it a poignant addition to any playlist.
7) "SAOKO" by Rosalia
"SAOKO" is an exuberant and upbeat Latin pop track that showcases Rosalia's incredible vocal range. With its infectious beat and catchy hooks, it's impossible not to dance along. This is a song that captures the essence of joy and celebration, while also incorporating the sensibilities of traditional Spanish music.
6) "Bad Habit" by Steve Lacy
"Bad Habit" is a soulful and laid-back R&B track that showcases Steve Lacy's smooth vocals and impressive guitar skills. The mellow vibe of the song makes it perfect for late-night drives or lazy afternoons. The lyrics are introspective and poignant, addressing themes of heartbreak and addiction.
5) "The Heart pt. 5" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar is one of the most respected names in hip-hop, and "The Heart pt. 5" is a testament to his prowess. Fans had been waiting years for his next album after DAMN, but the best song he released this year wasn't even on the album. The song features powerful lyrics and an intense beat, featuring a Marvin Gaye sample, that builds to a climactic finale, where Kendrick raps from the perspective of his dead friend Nipsey Hustle and even forgives his killer, creating a beautiful narrative on his space in the rap game. This is a song that demands your attention and respect.
4) "Runner" by Alex G
"Runner" is a dreamy and ethereal indie rock track that showcases Alex G's unique and otherworldly style. From the swirling guitars and hazy vocals that create a sense of disorientation, to the screams of Alex G, it's a perfect track for contemplative moods, and is the perfect album opener for "God Save the Animals."
3) "Billions" by Caroline Polacheck
"Billions" is an electro-pop banger that showcases Caroline Polachek's exceptional vocal range and experimental sensibilities. The synth-heavy instrumentation and driving beats create a sense of urgency and excitement, making it perfect for a max-volume listen. This is a song that showcases Polacheck's potential as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist with my favorite vocal performance of the year.
2) "Part of the Band" by The 1975
"Part of the Band" is a standout track from The 1975's latest album, "Being Funny in a Foreign Language". The song is a nostalgic and introspective ode to the early days of the band, featuring a groovy bassline and infectious guitar riffs that will have you tapping your foot in no time. The lyrics capture the essence of youth and camaraderie, and the chorus is an anthemic sing-along that is sure to be a hit at live shows. This is a song that showcases The 1975's evolution as a band, while also paying homage to their roots. With its catchy hooks and relatable lyrics, "Part of the Band" is a track that deserves to be on any music lover's playlist.
1) "Belinda Says" by Alvvays
"Belinda Says" is a jangly and infectious indie pop track that captures the essence of summertime. The story of an unwanted pregnancy, and a road trip soundtrack by Belinda Carlisle's, "Heaven is a Place on Earth," leads to my favorite moment in music of the year, as the final chorus swells, and then hits another level through the beautiful voice of Molly Rankin. This song manages to stand out on my favorite album of the last year.