The moment you land on Melissa Etheridge’s web site, you know you are witnessing the heart of a woman who has a deep desire to contribute to humanity. That’s what I felt when I first perused her invitation to Green Up and get up dated on the ways in which we can all play a role in transforming our world.  You see, Melissa Etheridge is adamant about the changes each and every one of us can take, to make the world a better place.

Etheridge is known for her voice on gay, environmental and human rights issues. In an effort to save the planet, as reported in Midweek Magazine, all of Etheridge's tour buses run on biodiesel fuel. She personally drives a Ford (diesel) Excursion and uses biodiesel fuel, a clean burning alternative fuel that comes from 100% renewable resources. It is considered the fuel of the future. "We also have a hybrid and a couple of diesels," she says. "And I try to get off the grid as much as I can. When we go shopping we take our own bags. That's a huge thing. If people were aware of how many plastic bags go into landfills every day, it would freak them out. Just starting to reuse your bags is a huge thing. Bring your bags and put the clothes, books and groceries you buy in them. It will make a big difference in what we are putting into the earth."

In February 2007, Melissa Etheridge celebrated a career milestone with a victory in the “Best Song” category at the Academy® Awards for “I Need to Wake Up,” written for the Al Gore documentary on global warming, An Inconvenient Truth. Over the course of her more than two decades as a performer and songwriter, Etheridge has shown herself to be an artist who has never allowed “inconvenient truths” to keep her down. She is the voice that represents authenticity.  Sometimes we talk about being authentic, Etheridge really is!

Earlier in her recording career, Melissa acknowledged her sexual orientation when it was considered less than prudent to do so. Yet, she has established a full life for herself. Her wife is Tammy Etheridge and their four children include 16-month-old twins Johnnie Rose and Miller Steven, 11-year-old Bailey Jean and 9-year-old Beckett. And just two and a half years ago, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, a health battle that, with her typical tenacity, she won.  Despite losing her hair from chemotherapy, Etheridge appeared on the 2005 Grammy® telecast to sing “Piece of My Heart” in tribute to Janis Joplin.  "I'm doing great, "says Etheridge on her personal battle with cancer, ”I'm all clear for three years now, which is awesome. I'm actually healthier than I was then because I'm much more balanced in my diet, in my emotional life and spiritually. I'm much more balanced and that's what I believe health is. I'm actually glad I had that experience so I could reach the place that I'm at now. Cancer survivors know that it's not about their hair, it's about their health. There are more of us than they know. We're almost half the population in the U.S."

Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, Etheridge picked up the guitar at the age of eight and began playing in local bands in her teens.  Her bluesy vocal style and riveting stage presence began earning Etheridge a strong following in her early 20’s. Her astounding success led to Etheridge receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor at the ASCAP Pop Awards in 1996.

Melissa continued to write, record, and tour throughout the ‘90s and into the new millennium, releasing Skin (2001) and the upbeat Lucky (2004) along with her DVDs. 2005 marked the release of Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled, which includes "I Run for Life," commissioned by Ford Cares as part of their cancer initiative in support of The Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure. Last April, Melissa Etheridge received the distinguished ASCAP Founders Award honoring the power, compassion, and generosity of spirit of her music, and her enduring status as one of the greatest all-time female rock icons. In September 2007, she released her ninth studio album, The Awakening and is presently on the Revival Tour 2008.

One thing’s for sure, while Melissa Etheridge is on tour, she is committed to reducing her carbon footprint and so can you. Melissa's green spirit is infectious! She has been making a positive mark on our planet. As our environment is up against obstacles that have the potential to hinder our future and the future of all species, Melissa is committed to helping others to live green through action, education, and positive outlook. Here are some tips from her web site:

HOME
Only turn the faucet on when needed. We can save 500 gallons of water per month per person just by turning the faucet off while brushing our teeth or shaving.

Shower instead of taking baths. You use up to 25 gallons of hot water for a bath, but less than 12.5 gallons during a 5-minute shower with a 2.5 gpm showerhead. - www.greenmatters.com

TRAVEL
Stay at a Green Hotels. Hotels usually use 218 gallons of water per day per occupied room. Help save water by reusing your hotel towels and sheets.

Ensure that your vehicle is “road-ready” by properly tuning your engine and properly inflating your tires to help save gas and money.

SHOPPING
Buy a hemp shower curtain. "(A) shower curtain made of hemp will naturally resist mildew and is machine washable." ("It's Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living" - Gibbs Smith, 2006)

Avoid the store-bought air fresheners and try boiling cloves, cinnamon, or any other herbs you like! It's fun, fragrant, and Eco-Friendly!