It’s
easy and all too common for artistes or other public figures to voice their
commitment or to give monetary support to environmental issues and causes.
It’s
less common – albeit growing – for artistes to enlist the support of their
public in addressing those issues and more noteworthy that figures like
international reggae band Rootz Underground are endeavouring along with their
fans to be agents of change on an environmental issue.
The
issue in question is reforestation and through a band initiative known as Rootz
Releaf, tree plantings are taking place all over the world.
Lead
singer Steven Newland explained that the concept arose of the need to go beyond
conventional enviro initiatives and to keep links with their globally expanding
fan base. “Our aim is to have at minimum 100,000 new tree plantings over the
course of the next year or so,” he said.
The
band is currently touring multiple cities across western and central Europe and
is spreading awareness of its reforestation efforts at the various stops on its
swing and will replicate those efforts when it hits the US later in the year.
“We see the pragmatic necessities of something like this, but we also recognize
the importance and the power of appealing to the hearts and minds, to evoke
spiritual connections.”
A
Google map has been added to the band’s website that will contain the locations
of all the trees that have been planted by followers over the course of the
project and also has a photo gallery.
The
group, which also comprises Jeffrey Moss-Slomon, Charles Lazarus, Colin Young,
Leon Campbell and Paul Smith, is asking its fans and well wishers, whether live
or online to lend their support to the initiative, and is offering a bit of
further incentive. The first person to send a photo along with the GPS
co-ordinates of a tree they have planted, for each city on their tour will earn
for themselves and a friend guest spots at the show of their choice.
Releaf
supporters can send their information to Releaf@RootzUnderground.com and check out www.RootzUnderground.com/Rootz-Work.com
Contact Michael A. Edwards for further
information at (876) 588-0947 or emxgroup@gmail.com
