The carbon footprint and impact upon biodiversity of the music therapy profession

Many governments around the world have declared a Climate Emergency. A wide range of organisations, including those focusing on the arts, healthcare and education are working towards sustainability goals. These are being actioned by identifying key areas to investigate and cut carbon footprints (Badiali et. al., 2019; PHW, n.d; Sidford and Frasz, 2016; USW, 2020). As music therapists and music therapy providers, what areas of our work have a carbon footprint and an impact on biodiversity? How can we practice in the most environmentally responsible way?
This poster focuses on the areas of transportation, resources, and procurement. It will give examples of the carbon footprint and/or risk to biodiversity of various aspects of the provision of music therapy. At the same time, it will offer suggestions as to potential solutions leading to a greener music therapy, suggestions that may disturb and stimulate discourse as to the future of our profession. Elements explored will include:
● how practitioners and those administering music therapy services travel to work
● the broader picture of energy consumption by music therapy organisations including administration and session delivery
● musical instrument purchase and production
● accessing CPD trainings or events and materials