University Orchestra takes steps to become more environmentally friendly.
North Park鈥檚 University Orchestra is the first net-zero orchestra in the country. This means the group of students has a completely neutral carbon footprint, achieved through personal action and donating to environmental groups.
Dr. Tom Zelle, professor of music and conductor, said the initiative started when the orchestra began incorporating the United Nations鈥� Human Values, which include peace, freedom, social progress, equal rights and human dignity, into its weekly lessons. 鈥淓very student in the orchestra room is first and foremost a human being and then a musician,鈥� Zelle said.
The orchestra now uses a part of their budget to contribute to the United Nation鈥檚 carbon offset program, which trades 鈥渃arbon credits鈥� for cash that goes to organizations working to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. The orchestra also sells vegan goods, plays music written to bring awareness to climate change, and talks to the audience about sustainability.