Eco-friendly upgrades every musician should try for Earth Day 2025

TL;DR: Being an eco-friendly musician doesn’t mean switching to acoustic-only and composting your cables. It means choosing smarter, longer-lasting, and lower-waste gear – like rechargeable tools, biodegradable picks, and multi-function devices like a vibrating metronome. Here’s how to make sustainable choices that sound just as good (if not better).

Feel the beat, not the waste: the vibrating metronome revolution

Timing is everything – in music and sustainability. Traditional metronomes are often battery-guzzlers or breakable plastic devices destined for landfills. And since Earth Day is all about rethinking our habits and making better choices for the planet, it’s the perfect time to take a look at your gear. From the way you power your setup to the picks in your pocket, small changes can make a big difference - without messing with your sound or your style.

A vibrating metronome, like the Soundbrenner Pulse, changes the game. It lets you feel the beat through vibrations worn on your wrist, ankle, or arm – no audible clicks, no disposable batteries. It’s USB-rechargeable and replaces multiple tools in one: metronome, practice tracker, tuner and decibel meter (with the Core 2).

Bonus: Read this comparison of wearable metronomes on MusicRadar to see how they stack up.

Explore the Soundbrenner Pulse – a vibrating metronome that helps the planet keep time too.

Power up consciously: recharge everything

Disposable batteries = toxic waste. Just one alkaline battery can pollute up to 167,000 liters of water if improperly disposed. Multiply that across years of practice tools, pedals, and tuners, and you’ve got a serious environmental issue.

Most modern music gadgets now offer USB-rechargeable options. Tools like the Soundbrenner Pulse or your favorite clip-on tuner now come with USB-C charging and built-in lithium-ion batteries. You save money and prevent hazardous waste.

Want to power your pedalboard more sustainably? Check out the Mission Engineering 529i – a rechargeable power supply built for touring rigs.

Green gear swaps that don’t suck

Smart swaps can be stylish and sustainable. Here are some worth making:

• Biodegradable picks: Brands like Dunlop’s Tortex Picks and Bog Street’s Eco Picks offer renewable options made from bioplastics or recycled materials.
• Bamboo drumsticks: Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing renewable materials on the planet. Try Vic Firth’s Terra Series or Los Cabos bamboo sticks.
• Vegan & recycled straps: Couch Guitar Straps makes straps from recycled seat belts and deadstock vinyl, while Levy’s has a growing eco line.
• Reusable earplugs: Say goodbye to single-use foam. Try Minuendo earplugs for high-fidelity, fully adjustable protection.

Pro tip: Create a dedicated “eco” section in your gig bag. Make it part of your setup, not just an afterthought.

Go paperless and digital when you can

Sheet music stacks, chord charts, and setlists can quickly become an ocean of wasted paper. Going digital makes sense for both the planet and your workflow.

Load your charts onto a tablet, then flip pages with a Bluetooth foot pedal like the Soundbrenner Stomp. It works with all major sheet music apps, so you can keep your hands on your instrument and your gig bag lighter.

Need help getting started? Here’s a guide to the best sheet music maker apps via MakeUseOf.

Build sustainable habits (not just a wishlist)

Being a sustainable musician doesn’t require perfection. Just a bit of intention:

• Recharge instead of replace
• Buy gear that does multiple jobs
• Choose recycled or biodegradable materials
• Recycle your old strings (check out D’Addario’s Playback program)
• Bring a reusable water bottle to every session

One of the best things about going green? It often leads to a cleaner, more minimal, and more efficient rig.

Conclusion: good music, less mess

You don’t need to compromise your tone, vibe, or creativity to be more eco-conscious. Modern eco-friendly music gear blends performance and sustainability better than ever.

Start with a vibrating metronome that helps you feel the beat while cutting waste. Add a few biodegradable picks. Swap your disposable habits for rechargeable ones.

The planet stays greener. Your gear gets smarter. And your setup feels more intentional, from rehearsal to encore.

Keep the groove going – and the footprint light.