Shawn Mendes Sets Extensive Plans For ‘Wonder’ Tour Sustainability Initiatives
‘Every tiny decision we make can have a positive outcome,’ Mendes shared in a statement. ‘Every action can be an act of hope. Every choice is an opportunity to protect tomorrow.’
Ahead of the Wonder world tour, launching in Portland, Oregon on June 27, Shawn Mendes is taking steps toward more environmentally sustainable touring practices. The multi-platinum selling singer and songwriter locked in climate scientists and youth activists to learn more about reducing environmental impact and emissions from the tour while offsetting its unavoidable carbon footprint.
“When we first started talking about greening the tour, I took a hard look at the many different things that make up our carbon footprint, and came face to face with a truly intimidating truth: every little thing we do matters,” Mendes shared in a lengthy statement. “I was deeply upset when realizing that I, as an artist, was contributing to the climate crisis by doing one of my favourite things – touring. From how we travel, to what we wear, to where our food comes from – how can we possibly keep track of the tiny decisions we make every single day? Looking at the world this way can feel overwhelming.”
He adds: “Then I realized the other way to interpret this problem: Every tiny decision we make can have a positive outcome. Every action can be an act of hope. Every choice is an opportunity to protect tomorrow.”
The program developed for the Wonder tour will allow Mendes and his tour team – from those behind the scenes to accompanying opening acts King Princess, Dermot Kennedy, and Tate McRae – to reduce the trek’s carbon impact by 50% per show compared to his previous tour.
The plan includes sourcing sustainable materials for merchandise, using energy efficient equipment for the show itself, donating unused toiletries from hotel stays, using sustainable fuel options when traveling by land, eliminating single-use plastic backstage and increasing recycling programs throughout venues, adding hydration stations for fans, sourcing catering from local farms, and composting food waste that cannot be donated.
“No plan is perfect, but we see this as a starting point,” Mendes says. “We are in a pivotal moment for climate, and it’s crucial to me that our tour is a step in the right direction. I have been empowered by youth leaders and my peers, and I hope our collective choices inspire industries & individuals to prioritize our planet. Let’s continue to grow together.”
Stream or purchase Wonder, the fourth studio album from Shawn Mendes.
