Hit Me Hard And Soft: What makes Billie Eilish's records 'eco-friendly'?

The image used in this blog post was obtained from Getty Images.

Billie Eilish has been advocating for climate change for a significant amount of time and claims that she's exerting efforts in lessening waste in her musical endeavors.

Authored by Polly Bayfield and Riyah Collins: The article states that the UK-based National Health Service (NHS) is currently prioritizing treatments for the deadliest cancers. Doctors are being urged to focus on those patients with cancer that is most likely to kill them within a year, to ensure that they receive prompt and effective care. The reason behind this prioritization is that the NHS is under significant pressure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With many cancelled appointments and delayed procedures, there is a back-log of patients waiting for treatment. By focusing on those with the most pressing needs, the NHS hopes to save lives and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. However, this approach has raised concerns around inequalities in cancer care. Some patients with less aggressive forms of cancer may still require urgent treatment, but may now face longer waits due to the new prioritization. It is crucial that healthcare professionals balance the needs of different patients and ensure that everyone receives the care they need in a timely manner. Ultimately, the NHS's focus on treating the deadliest cancers is a necessary response to the current crisis. By prioritizing those with the greatest risk of mortality, the healthcare system can make the most of limited resources and save more lives in the long run. However, it is important that this approach is implemented fairly and does not leave any patients behind.

Every year, it is approximated that the UK's love for vinyl generates a carbon footprint equivalent to the emissions of 400 individuals.

Billie Eilish intends to alter the tune by releasing her latest album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, which was made available to the public on Friday.

The music albums will be produced using recycled or eco-friendly vinyl, and the wrapping will be created from materials that have been recycled.

Many people are doubtful about how much of an impact it can actually have when it's associated with a massive global tour.

However, Billie is determined to avoid being viewed as the villain and has additionally received applause for bringing awareness to sustainability within the music field.

During a recent interview with Billboard, the vocalist shared that she and her crew are taking all possible measures to reduce waste "in all areas" related to her music.

She mentioned that her folks always made sure she knew that all decisions and deeds have consequences that affect either something or someone, whether they're positive or negative. This teaching has remained in her mind ever since.

BBC Newsbeat got an exclusive peek behind the scenes at a record pressing facility in South Wigston, Leicestershire, where they learned about efforts to make the production of records more environmentally friendly.

Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production, a company that produces vinyl, commented on how factories have changed since she first began.

The most significant aspect is the components. Vinyl records are composed of PVC, a form of synthetic material that requires hundreds of years to break down.

One important component is oil, which is a non-renewable resource obtained from fossils.

The picture used in this blog post was obtained from Getty Images.

. However, there are now alternatives available that use plant-based materials instead. The foundation of all records is PVC, which has traditionally been produced using non-renewable fossil fuels. Nonetheless, there are now options accessible that employ renewable plant-based components instead.

Karen explained that Sonic Wax, a factory that supplies Key Production, is now using biofuels instead of fossil fuels to create the plastic granules used to make records. These granules serve as the foundation of the records.

Biofuels are a kind of renewable fuel produced from sources like vegetable oils. According to Karen, it can lessen 90% of emissions in this specific phase of the process.

After obtaining the plastic granules, they undergo a process of melting and shaping into small discs called pucks. These pucks are then pressed into records at elevated temperatures.

Leftover pieces from this procedure, along with any documentation that doesn't meet the necessary standards, have the potential to be liquefied and recycled in the procedure as well.

Karen mentioned that these excess materials could be crushed down and repurposed into vinyl once more.

"When individuals mention the usage of recycled vinyl, what they are truly referring to is employing the crushed material that is produced by the machine."

According to Karen, it's not possible to recycle vinyl records that have already been produced and used in this manner because they would require unique cleansing procedures involving chemical agents.

Nevertheless, that is a matter the corporation is considering for upcoming times.

According to Karen, the music industry has experienced significant improvements in recent times, which she perceives to be quite encouraging.

Besides the materials needed to produce the actual vinyl, there is also an ecological effect from the distribution of the finished product and the eventual disposal of it.

Karen stated that the emissions produced from transporting vinyl are significantly distinct from those of CDs.

According to her, CDs contain comparatively less material than vinyl records. She states that vinyl records are large and fairly heavy.

Manufacturers such as Key Production are attempting to reduce this issue by encouraging their customers to select records that are lighter in weight.

Karen suggests that people should adhere to a limit of 140 grams.

There are certain versions of music albums that weigh 180 grams; however, Karen states that if you don't own expensive sound equipment worth thousands of pounds, "you won't notice any distinction."

According to her, reducing an individual record by 40g can make a significant impact on the entire shipment, resulting in lighter loads to carry and hence reducing emissions.

The photo was taken by a professional photographer who was licensed by Getty Images.

In addition to eco-friendly vinyl, Billie's albums will also be available in packaging that can be recycled.

Is it perhaps more advisable to refrain from purchasing the product altogether?

It could be more complicated than anticipated.

A recent study conducted by Keele University, located in Staffordshire, implies that the most environmentally friendly way to enjoy music is influenced by individual behavior patterns.

Listening to music online might appear to be an environmentally friendly choice, but according to Spotify's latest environmental report, their emissions in 2023 tallied up to a whopping 280,355 metric tons of greenhouse gases.

The power that we utilize to charge and operate our electronic gadgets including the energy required to send music over the internet and keep information saved on data centers altogether accumulates.

Listening to a track only a few times makes streaming a great option, but for those who listen repeatedly, albums in physical form are a better option in terms of sustainability.

Additionally, Billie is taking steps to decrease excessive consumption by restricting the number of vinyl releases to just eight variations. This will also decrease the demand for collectible items.

Karen states that vinyl is designed to last for a long time.

Indeed, the product is composed of plastic materials. However, the manufacturing process has become more eco-friendly and it has a perpetual lifespan.

"That's not to say it's going to waste. People are purchasing and relishing it."

Although we can't currently transform used vinyl records into brand new ones, these items can still be helpful even after we're finished with them.

According to Karen, one can repurpose old records to make ordinary items like household pipes. Despite being less stylish, they still serve their purpose.

Despite acknowledging the industry's progress in recognizing the need for change thanks to influential figures like Billie, Karen admits that there is still a significant amount of ground to be covered.

Especially when it comes to touring, this applies to all aspects of the music industry.

Billie is embarking on a tour for her album Hit Me Hard and Soft that will take her to over 80 concerts in North America, Australia, and Europe in the coming months.

When you travel frequently and use a lot of energy, it can cause a big impact on the environment by leaving a large carbon footprint.

In an effort to reduce the impact, the acclaimed singer is teaming up with Reverb, a charitable group focused on advancing sustainability within the music sector.

On a past tour, she collaborated with them to implement different strategies such as decreasing the use of disposable plastics, providing food options that are plant-based, and contributing a percentage of earnings to supporting projects that address climate issues.

Karen mentioned that she has witnessed a remarkable transformation over the last few years.

Raising greater consciousness among individuals is paramount.

It's great to see that some prominent artists are stepping up and taking on this responsibility. We also need the major recording companies to follow suit.

Tune in to Newsbeat's live broadcast during weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45, or access the recorded version here for playback.

"Further Details On The Story"

The content of external sites is not the responsibility of the BBC.