Pianos to the dump: an environmental issue?
Below is a link to a video that was posted at the New York Times several months ago. It is really worth watching. Most people are not aware of what happens to pianos when no one wants them.
In recent years the number of calls I receive from people trying to rehome their pianos has increased dramatically. There are always free pianos listed on craigslist.
Part of this glut of used pianos on the market, I attribute to our struggling economy. I also believe that fewer young people are involved in piano lessons. And, perhaps worst of all, key boards are making an unfortunate cut into piano sales and value.
I am glad when people call for my help in trying to find new homes for their instrument and I can sometimes help match a seller to a buyer. But, all too frequently I have to deliver the unfortunate news that no one wants their piano. Our landfill sites are already overburdened so I strive to keep every piano possible in good working condition.
Pianos are extraordinarily resource-intensive to manufacture. Most new pianos on the market today are manufactured in, and shipped from Japan, Korea and China, creating a huge carbon foot print. That is why part of my mission in my work with pianos is to encourage people to buy a good used piano and maintain the one they have where appropriate. In addition we are really trying to investigate ways to repurpose pianos that keeps them out of the dump. Here are some interesting photos of things people are doing with their unwanted pianos:
http://pinterest.com/tickledpinktony/pianos-upcycle-reuse-recycle-repurpose-diy/