Rockers flocking to 2007’s SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, TX this March can expect a change in atmosphere. In an effort to counterbalance all carbon emissions created during the festival (think lots of tour buses and vans), officials have partnered with the Green Mountain Energy Company — an Austin-based renewable energy market leader — and have also donated $5,000 to the Austin Parks Department to purchase and maintain native trees throughout the city. In addition, the Ecology Action of Austin, whose production trucks and generators run on biodiesel fuel, will recycle waste from outdoor parties and events. “While the amount of carbon emissions generated by SXSW alone is relatively small, if every business took similar steps, it would make a profound difference to our planet’s future,” said SXSW Managing Director Roland Swenson in a press release.

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