It’s tough not to think about the environment when you’re rocking out perched atop the nosebleeds of the Santa Barbara Bowl. As one of the state’s most picturesque — and decidedly organic feeling — places to catch a concert, the Bowl can claim some seriously striking views of the Channel Islands stretch, not to mention a thriving on-site collection of native flora and fauna. With all that natural beauty at their fingertips, it’s no wonder the venue’s directors have proudly hoisted the torch for Mother Earth–friendly ways to catch live music.
This week, as Jack Johnson returns home to headline, the Bowl launches the next in a long line of greening initiatives called #MyCupAndMe. Like the little changes that came before it, the campaign is zeroing in on yet another small shift that is sure to make a big dent in the Bowl’s carbon footprint. The formula is simple: For just $10 ($15 with beer), concertgoers can purchase a Klean Kanteen–made, S.B. Bowl–branded stainless steel pint glass for all their beer, wine, and soda-guzzling needs. Every time you go back for a refill with your cup in tow, you’ll receive $1 off your beverage purchase. For the life of the cup. (That’s a buy-seven-beers-get-the-eighth-one-free deal, for anyone who’s counting.)
The initiative is a collaborative effort forged by the Bowl, LoaTree, Klean Kanteen, and All At Once, Johnson’s own social-action network, which has been working toward a plastic-free world since it launched in 2008. Considering the current per-season cup-use rate of close to 90,000, there’s no doubt that the venue’s system has plenty of room for improvement.
“We consider ourselves not only hosts of our musical guests, but stewards of the Bowl’s land,” said Executive Director Rick Boller. “The phase-out of single-use items, most importantly plastics, is our next, top priority. The impact that plastics have on our environment is astounding, and we think we’ve found a way to be a part of the solution and set the stage for others to follow.”
For more info on #MyCupAndMe, visit sbbowl.com.