How BTS Promote Sustainability Through Their Actions
As one of the most prominent musical artists of this generation, BTS have a lot of responsibilities to shoulder. Their influence goes beyond languages and cultures. So, their power to affect positive changes in the world is also unmatched.
The group has always been aware of the power of their platform, and they have put it to good use time and again. When it comes to eco-consciousness and sustainability, BTS have never shied away from promoting these mindsets both commercially as well as through their personal lifestyle choices.
1. Buying Recycled Goods
RM is known for frequently buying items made from recycled materials and thrifting his clothes often. In 2017, he posted a picture with a backpack made out of waste car materials. The brand, named CONTINEW, was a start-up at that point, but after RM’s post, they sold out in 3 days and even successfully finished a crowdfunding round!
the last picture of joon using a backpack made out of recycled materials that resulted in the entire stock being sold out in 3 DAYS to having famous politicians gift the bag to each other too,, we love someone who cares for the environment https://t.co/hBNqID60CF
— fawz⁷ (@agustranda) March 29, 2019
In the concept photo for BE, he was also seen wearing a pair of MARINA sandals that were made from recycled sneakers.
the band on joon's sandal is made from recycled sneakers, the brand also has several products using recycling concept from clothes to accessories https://t.co/Pcp8ciEnrN pic.twitter.com/mtA21aIoHM
— alex⁷ (rest) (@iIlejeons) November 3, 2020
2. Promoting Upcycled Fashion At Elite Events
In September 2021, BTS went to the UNGA as special presidential envoys. While their powerful speech became a point of discussion almost immediately, their fashion choice was not too far behind. A few hours after the event, fans discovered that the suits they were wearing at the event are from the brand RE;CODE.
RE;CODE is a brand that is trying to revolutionize the South Korean fashion industry by creating luxury clothing from upcycled materials. The brand creates its clothes using parent company Kolon FnC’s stock clothes and eco-friendly fabrics.
The fact that BTS chose to highlight a homegrown upcycling fashion brand over the hundreds of luxury brands they could have gone for at an event where the entire world will be witnessing them speaks volumes about their sincerity towards eco-sustainability.
3. Eco-friendly Endorsements
In partnership with brands like Samsung and Hyundai, BTS have highlighted climate change issues and the importance of sustainability through their commercial endorsements as well.
The group also became brand ambassadors of Coway, a lifestyle brand that is aiming to bring eco-friendly home appliances to the people of South Korea.
.@BTS_twt have been selected as the new global brand ambassador for Coway, Korea's leading brand in home appliances, who's company mission is to become the leading eco-friendly company for lifestyle commodities. Several ads featuring BTS will be revealed at the end of March. pic.twitter.com/EgNf1UWk8o
— BTS Charts & Translations⁷ (@charts_k) March 12, 2021
4. Maintaining Eco-consciousness On Set
In the music video for “Permission To Dance”, BTS were seen releasing a hoard of balloons into the sky, which signified the end of the COVID crisis throughout the world. Many ARMYs were concerned by this; since releasing balloons into the air can lead to pollution and endanger wildlife.
But the behind the scenes video revealed that those balloons were tied down with an additional string so that after the shot, they could be pulled back down!
This is a company that takes responsibility. In all details. See that string? No balloons released uncontrolled, no endangering wildlife – I couldn't respect them more.@BTS_twt @BIGHIT_MUSIC @HYBEOFFICIALtwt pic.twitter.com/ze3AyumKrC
— Cypher⁷ ᴮᴱ ᴾʳᵒᵒᶠ/ Shesawseesaw (@cypherluscious) July 18, 2021
There is no doubt that BTS are always doing their best to be good role models for people who look up to them in every way!
