Run on Green Tunes

Need an excuse to revamp your playlist before your next run? Searching for a new theme to attach to your current list of tunes? Why not go green with a special Earth Day mix? Ideal Bite tipped me off to a green-themed list that works appropriately for Earth Day, today. When I first spotted the link I thought I'd be seeing several bands that I didn't recognize, maybe didn't even care for, but I was pleasantly surprised at their list both in the choice of music and the eco-friendly causes supported. Perfect for an Earth Day run, or just for finding some new tracks to listen to.

If you have iTunes, you can even download this mix of their favorite tracks by green artists. Check out the list below, with a few additions and suggestions from us at Fit-Ink.

Flake by Jack Johnson. He uses carbon-offsets for his tours and founded the Kokua Hawaii Foundation which supports environmental education throughout the schools and communities of Hawaii. My faves: Upside Down, If I Had Eyes and Better Together (a shout-out to my brother- and sister-in-law who played this at their wedding)

Lovers in Japan by Coldplay. Who knew they used carbon-offsets on the production of past albums and sew their own clothes? And that tattoo Chris Martin sports on his hand? It's a Make Trade Fair fair-trade mark. My faves: Lost, plus no complaints on Lovers in Japan

Human Behavior by Björk. This Iceland native just released a documentary about eco-issues in the homeland, and available at iTunes.

The Seed (2.0) by the Roots. This hip-hop band has worked with PETA on campaigns and hosted green pre-Grammy parties. Now they'll be jamming weekly with Jimmy Fallon as his new house band.

No Surprises by Radiohead. Lead singer Thom Yorke is a vegan who wrote a climate-change inspired alternative rock album. Friends of the Earth made Yorke a spokesman for their campaign to reduce carbon emissions in 2005. My faves: High and Dry, Fake Plastic Trees and 15 Step.

Holiday by Green Day. I never would have guessed that green had another meaning beyond Billie Joe's band name. This band is a big proponent of green energy and has teamed up with the National Resources Defense Council on environmental concerns. My faves: Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), She, When I Come Around. A little old school, I know.

Love is Free by Sheryl Crow. She's toured with Stop Global Warming and she spoke at the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2007 about global warming policies of the George W. Bush administration. My faves: Soak Up the Sun, Strong Enough

My Humps by Black Eyed Peas. Set to release new album The END in June 2009, lead rapper and producer will.i.am writes songs with environmental themes and drives an electric Tesla roadster. My faves: Where Is the Love, Boom Boom Pow, Let's Get It Started

We Are All Made of Stars by Moby. He's a vegan who supports the Humane Society. My faves: Porcelain and South Side

My Moon My Man by Feist. She uses wind power to offset her tours and recently traveled to the Arctic Circle to experience global warming first-hand. My fave: 1234

Hot Thing by Talib Kweli. His albums are made of recycled materials and he writes eco-themed songs, one of which includes Al Gore.

Heartbeats by José González. While touring the States, he offsets his tours using Reverb, which reaches out to musicians and their fans to promote environmental sustainability.

One more band to add: Maroon 5. Ecorazzi reported in January that this band is all about going green. They try to offset as much as they can, and keyboardist Jesse Carmichael is green overhauling his house with solar panels, a greenhouse, water systems and growing his own food. My faves: She Will Be Loved, Wake Up Call.

Want a couple of classic rock faves with green undertones to add? Check out these five, including Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and Cat Stevens. Photo grabbed from Steve Wampler at flickr. Posted by Kate