By Ashley Bouman

August 15, 1969 was the day that changed rock-and-roll and outdoor concert/music festivals forever. It was the first day of Woodstock, a rock gathering that took place on a farm in Bethel, New York and even though it happened four decades ago, it is still talked about and used as a popular culture reference today. The philosophy behind it was for peace and love which evolved into an anti-war, environmentalist statement. Bringing awareness about the environment and political issues took hold as a movement, symbolic and iconic to the very essence of Woodstock.

Music was a powerful communicative tool in the 1960s. Songs propelled activist movements that started the fight for political, social and environmental change. Music invoked optimism and inspired people to believe that change was possible. Music can, and always will, motivate people to make a difference.

The environmentalists who were born from the Woodstock Music and Art Fair set the stage for the current green movement and were behind many advances of awareness of nature conservation, global warming, population growth and renewable energy. A few notable environmentalists who were part of the half a million audience were Jane Goodall, whose popularity comes from her extensive work with, and study of chimpanzees. She continues to present key-note talks on environmental issues to this day. Political activist and potential presidential candidate, Ralph Nader, was also in attendance at Woodstock. He has dedicated much of his time to educating the general public about ecology and the future of the United States' waterways. Canada's most famous environmental activist, David Suzuki, was also at the free concert. His fame rose in the 1970s; perhaps the music and ambiance of Woodstock inspired him.

Woodstock was mentioned in the media frequently this August due to its 40th anniversary. Activities to celebrate its memory were held all over the world. On the 15th of August, 2009, an eight-hour concert was held on the original site with the largest number of Woodstock alumni ever to be assembled attending. There is even a film by Ang Lee that came out on August 28 entitled Taking Woodstock which follows the life of Elliot Tiber, the man who held the only permit for a music festival in Bethel which consequently permitted the concert to take place.

The spirit of Woodstock has created other music festivals with the same messages of peace and environmental awareness, such as Coachella and Bonnaroo. Coachella is a three-day arts and music festival located in the Coachella Valley in Indio, California. It features many different genres of music played continuously, as well as displays of sculpted art. Bonnaroo is another arts and music festival that lasts four to five days at the Great Stage Park on a farm in Manchester, Tennessee. A wide variety of music is performed there. Art is on display and unique products are sold. During the last few years, the organisers of these festivals have placed a great emphasis on the importance of recycling and "green" efforts.

The fundamental nature of Woodstock should embody everyone who cares about the environment. It was such an important movement to environmental activism and is still so powerful years and years later. The "Woodstock generation" changed the world for the future and we should continue to fight for what is important. The change started then and it needs to continue. Music was used as a pivotal tool then; it should continue to be used as such now.

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