What do environmentalism and music have to do with each other?

About 20 years ago, Paul Diaz, an avid music and nature-lover, wondered the same thing. Today, after lots of gardening, blueprints and research, Diaz owns Tree Sound Music, an eco-friendly recording and production studio in Norcross.

Jason Getz/AJC (ENLARGE)

Near the main entrance, Paul Diaz relaxes next to one of the gardens that make the site an eco-friendly environment. The gardens produce cabbage, tomatoes, dill and sage.

Diaz launched his business in 1989. Elton John, Nappy Roots and Dave Matthews are among the musicians who've recorded in the studios. Tree Sound worked production for artists such as Gwen Stefani and Fergie.

In fact, Matthews helped Diaz realize how environmental activism can influence music.

"Dave was in town for a live show about six years or so ago and talked to the audience about how important green efforts are," said Diaz, 43. "As he was talking about it, I remembered my original goals of combining the two and knew what I wanted to do."

Diaz realized that if his studio was making green efforts, artists may catch on and spread the message through subliminal efforts, such as recyclable tickets and CD cases.

"We have the unique position where we influence great artists," said Diaz. "If we drive it home, it may even seep into their music."

Many of the studio's changes were implemented in 2006 and are evident from outside the building.

On the right side of the parking lot sits a tank holding about 500 gallons of bio-diesel, which Diaz calls "grease-el."

"This bio-fuel is manufactured with recycled grease from the Emory hospital and cafeteria," Diaz said. "We don't use soybean oil because that takes away from our food source."

Diaz said the bio-diesel has influenced bands to switch from tour buses to Dodge Sprinters, which can run on bio-fuel.

"We fill up our van every time we come here," said artist Laura Reed, who is currently recording a soul album at Tree Sound. "I've always been environmentally conscious. Actually, when I first met Paul and he noticed my bio-degradable business cards, it was really cool."

Across the parking lot from the bio-diesel is a garden where cabbage, tomatoes, watermelon, cilantro, dill and sage grow. All the studio workers keep the garden going and even make the occasional salad. "What's best is eating peas and beans off the vine," Diaz said.

Rainwater barrels that catch up to 100 gallons of rainwater are used to water the garden, and there are plans to install two more 6,000-gallon rain catchments. Fluorescent lights outside the building save power. On the roof, solar panels work for the year-old water heater.

"Our bill used to be anywhere from $300 to $500 a month, just to heat water," said Diaz. "Now, thanks to this system, it costs about $20 a month to heat the water in this 18,000-square-foot facility." The monthly bill is definitely a benefit, but Diaz noted that green does not come cheap. The solar hot water system cost $15,000. He says the studio probably spends an extra $1,000 a month for the green initiatives.

The bathroom has dual-flush toilets.

"It's easy to use," said Diaz with a smile. "If you go No. 1, you push the '1' button and you can figure out No. 2."

Since many bands drink beer while recording at night, Diaz said, the No. 1 button gets a steady workout.

Green features are found throughout the building, such as recycled benches used as acoustical diffusers, recycled office supplies, green cleaning supplies, sky lights for natural light, cork floors, low VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and carpeting, recycled railroad timber floors and walls made from coffee bean bags.

Even the food is earth-friendly.

"We always have healthy snacks around, and all of our coffee is organic, free-trade, shade-grown coffee," Diaz said. "In fact, it's grown by my in-laws. We also use Sweetwater beer because it's locally brewed and instead of getting bottles, we use a keg so that we can return it and have it refilled."

Diaz's wife shares his views on green efforts and is not only the studio's co-owner, but also the eco-project manager.

"Her full name is Sunshine Sweetwater Diaz," he said. "How perfect is that?"

Information: www.treesoundstudios.com.