Através da ONG Make Yourself Foundation, a banda arrecadou para caridade, mais de um milhão de dolares até a premiação. Arrecadações através de leilões de instrumentos, objetos pessoais, ingressos para meet & greet, shows especiais. O já conhecido uso de biodisel nos carros e ônibus usados na última turnê pelos Estados Unidos. Também a utilização de papel reciclado e tinta à base de soja na impressão de posters e flyers, comida orgânica servidas no camarim, camisetas feitas com material orgânico. Isso tudo além do trabalho que fazem em vários lugares estimulando a reciclagem e a preservação do meio ambiente.
Brandon disse: "Nós estamos muito felizes por ter essa incrível oportunidade de compartilhar música com tanta gente. E estamos muito orgulhosos em compartilhar essa consciência com todos que vem e nos ouvem. Muito obrigado. Talvés esse seja mais um degrau na escada, para um planeta melhor e mais consciente".
Outros artistas que já receberam o mesmo prêmio foram: Dave Matthews Band (em 2008), Barenaked Ladies (em 2007) e Jack Johnson (em 2006).
2009 Planet Defenders Award
Colorado-based environmental organization Rock the Earth has announced its 2009 Planet Defender Awards, in conjunction with their national Rock the Earth Day celebration. Grammy-nominated rock band Incubus, Green For All Founder Van Jones, and Jessy Tolkan, Executive Director of the Energy Action Coalition, were selected as the winners in three categories. Planet Defender recipients are nominated by Rock the Earth members and chosen by Rock the Earth's National Volunteer Staff.
This year's winner in the ARTIST category, Grammy-nominated Incubus, funds the Make Yourself Foundation, which has raised over One Million dollars to date. The band funds the foundation by donating a portion of the proceeds generated from touring, record royalties, online auctions of concert tickets and memorabilia, and special events, to support various causes and charities both locally and around the world. Fueling their tour buses with clean-burning biodiesel, printing posters and flyers on 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper with soy ink, serving organic food backstage, offering fans organic cotton T-shirts and working with venues to increase recycling are just a few of the other steps the band has taken to ensure it stays green.
Brandon Boyd said: "We are so fortunate to have this amazing opportunity to share music with so many people! And we are very proud to share Earth consciousness with those who come and listen. Thank you very much! And may this be just another rung in the ladder towards a brighter, more aware planet."
Planet Defender Awards - Past Winners: Dave Matthews Band (2008), Barenaked Ladies (2007) and Jack Johnson (2006).
