Rock The Earth
Rock the Earth works closely with the music industry and its fans, many of whom are concerned with the fate of our public lands, air and water. We act as advocates to ensure the existence of a sustainable and healthy environment for all.
Further, we aim to represent those individuals and communities whose environment or natural surroundings are directly and adversely affected by the actions of…
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Interview with Marc Ross
by Chris Lowry
Rock the Earth works closely with the music industry and its fans, many of whom are concerned with the fate of our public lands, air and water. We act as advocates to ensure the existence of a sustainable and healthy environment for all.
Further, we aim to represent those individuals and communities whose environment or natural surroundings are directly and adversely affected by the actions of others. Rock the Earth, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, national public interest environmental advocacy organization, is committed to protecting and defending America's natural resources through partnerships with the music industry and the world-wide environmental community.
Rock the Earth is dedicated to bringing about positive and beneficial environmental consequences on behalf of members of the music industry through the means of active litigation and negotiation.
Last month Christopher Lowry of Concerts4Charity.org was privileged to speak with Mark Ross the Executive Director for RockTheEarth.org
How do you and your staff make time to undertake all these different projects?
“Well, we have worked on a lot of these issues in the past. Our organization has a dedicated staff of 25 volunteers. Our volunteer staff includes environmental professionals with a broad base of knowledge and expertise in environmental science and law. Of the Volunteer Staff, five are environmental attorneys. The Technical Committee is a multi-disciplinary unit that consists of five professionals with a combined experience of approximately 48 years. Most members of the Technical Committee have advanced educational experience (Masters and Doctoral degrees), are registered and/or certified in nationally accredited programs, and are members of national professional organizations.
CL :: What is your major achievement or accomplishment since the organization was founded?
“There are so many accomplishments. I think its organizing the events in the music community in promoting environmental issues, and bringing these issues to the fans. We do over 100 shows a year taking the issues to a diverse audience and educating these fans on the importance of environmental issues.”
CL :: What CDs have you’re purchased recently or downloaded?
“We recently purchased Sirius Radio and that has been incredible. My most recent download was Moe’s New Years Eve Show and North Mississippi All-stars. Most recent purchase was Jack Johnson’s “Sleep through the Static” CD and Ted Schneider.”
CL :: What environmental issue should be a significant point of interest in the next couple of years?
“There are so many issues that need to be at the center of attention. Defending the Colorado River is one of them. As a national park it’s managed in a way that is unacceptable. The Colorado River within the Grand Canyon National Park is the longest stretch of recreational whitewater in the world. And we need to restore the river to its natural sounds and wilderness values, and eliminate motorized transportation that is ruining the river and wilderness.”
CL :: What advice would you give youth and young adults in saving our planet?
“I would advise them to look at what they are doing now? What do they want for our planet in 20 years? There are so many ways to help in their community. Unfortunately they believe they can live forever and don’t think about what they are doing right now. For instance do they ride motorized vehicles in national parks? Do they recycle? Do they throw trash, cigarette butts or miscellaneous things on the ground instead of the trash bin? If we can get people actively involved now it will make the difference for us in the future.”
CL :: What Artists do you have on this year’s tour?
“We should have the Allman Brothers Band, Radiohead, Tom Petty, Foo Fighters, Indigo Girls and Willie Nelson might be a few artists. It will be a few more months before the tour comes together.”