From the Factory, Sustainability | April 30, 2025
Earth Day 2025 at Martin Guitar: Music with a Mission
How the D Biosphere® III & Our Latest Impact Report Reflect Martin’s Commitment to a Greener Future
Earth Day at Martin Guitar isn’t just another day on the calendar—it’s a reminder of why we do what we do. Music and the environment are deeply connected, and as a company that relies on natural resources to create our instruments, we know we have a responsibility to give back to the planet.
This year, we celebrated Earth Day in a big way—with the release of the all-new D Biosphere® III and the unveiling of our latest Impact Report. Both reflect our ongoing mission to craft exceptional guitars while protecting the natural world that makes them possible.
Meet the D Biosphere III: A Tribute to the Arctic
At the heart of this year’s Earth Day celebration is the stunning D Biosphere III—a guitar that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful. Crafted entirely from FSC®-certified woods, it reflects our commitment to sustainable materials and ethical sourcing.
But it’s the artwork that really tells the story. Created by longtime Martin collaborator and acclaimed artist Robert Goetzl, the top features a touching image of a polar bear mother and her cub resting together beneath a warm, golden sky. The blues of the ice and the warmth of the sky create a striking contrast, capturing both the beauty of the Arctic and the fragile reality it faces.
“It’s about the connection between mother and child,” Goetzl explains. “And the question of whether that cub will have a future.”
Martin is working with Polar Bears International® to raise awareness about the challenges these incredible animals face. To further support their conservation efforts, Martin made a generous donation to Polar Bears International, helping to protect polar bear habitats and address the impact of climate change on the Arctic.
Tonally, the D Biosphere III delivers everything you’d expect from a Martin Dreadnought—bold projection, rich overtones, and warmth that fills a room. With a certified Sitka spruce top and sapele back and sides, it’s a reminder that sustainability and great sound can go hand in hand. Elegant details like European flamed maple binding and sapele dot inlays on the ebony fingerboard add a refined touch.
Learn more about Earth Day at Martin and the D Biosphere III in the video below with Chris Martin IV and Robert Goetzl.
Impact You Can Measure
We don’t just talk about sustainability—we track it. This Earth Day, we released our latest Impact Report, which outlines the progress we’ve made over the past year and where we’re headed next.
Some key highlights:
- We awarded 93 grants totaling over $500,000 through the Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation.
- We donated over $32,000 in instruments to support music education and sustainability.
- We supported reforestation efforts in Central America and Pennsylvania.
- We recycled over 60 tons of material throughout our facilities.
- We launched our first Inception™ model made from a combination of sustainable and domestically abundant tonewoods.
Watch the video recap of our 2024 Impact Report below to see how we’re making a difference, and check out the full report here for all the details.
A Commitment That Goes Beyond Earth Day
Sustainability at Martin isn’t a new idea—it’s part of who we are. From responsibly sourcing tonewoods to working with organizations like Polar Bears International, we’re committed to ensuring that future generations of musicians have a planet to make music on.
The D Biosphere III represents more than just a new guitar—it’s a reminder that we’re all connected. Every chord you play is part of a larger story—one about protecting the planet and finding harmony with nature.
So, this Earth Day and beyond, we invite you to be part of the movement. Play your part. Protect the planet. And keep the music going.
Because nature’s song deserves a stage.
Until next time, happy playing!
Polar Bears International is a registered trademark of Polar Bears International, Inc. and is used under license.
