08:00, 11 August 2025
Words by Abi Scaife, Staff Writer, London
Are you a ‘Yellow’ girlie, or just here for the memes?
Either way, we’re here to talk about Chris Martin.
You may have seen our previous positive icons of Pedro Pascal and Jamal Edwards MBE - now taking the stage (ha) is Coldplay’s very own Chris Martin.
As the frontman of one of the world’s most popular bands, Martin could conceivably walk away from the world, and seclude himself on a private island with his money and his six-string - but he hasn’t.
Not only that, but he has thrown himself into some of the world’s biggest issues, social and planetary, putting his money, fame and good name behind them. But enough chat - let’s get to the nitty gritty of Chris Martin, and why we think he should be Smiley Movement’s next Positive Icon.
Martin and Coldplay made headlines when they announced that they wouldn’t embark on another tour until they had found an eco-friendly way to do so - and then again, when they succeeded.
The band said at the time: “We’re very conscious that the planet is facing a climate crisis. So we’ve spent the last two years consulting with environmental experts to make this tour as sustainable as possible, and, just as importantly, to harness the tour’s potential to push things forward.”
Since then, Coldplay have indeed gone back on tour, as you may have seen, using fun and sustainable initiatives like a kinetic dance floor to help them meet sustainability targets.
Additionally, they released a sustainability report for the band, showing that they saw a 59% improvement in emissions on their Music of the Spheres World Tour compared to their previous tour.
Coldplay’s sustainability website remains active and regularly updated, offering transparency over their choices, and offering rationale for their decision making.
Making choices that aren’t necessarily the most convenient, but are certainly the best for our planet, is what makes Martin such a great positive icon. Rather than flying everywhere, which is faster and easier, though much worse for the planet, the band has partnered with DHL to use vehicles which are electric, or operate on biofuel, and use alternative transport where possible, like train travel.
Aside from his obvious care for the planet, Martin has been involved in a number of charities and important causes, ranging from supporting the LGBTQ+ community, to those suffering from hearing loss.
With a heart for a better world, Martin is regularly donating his time, energy, music, and funds to vital causes. As a band, Coldplay donates 10% of their profits to charity every single year - and considering they have already become the highest earning group from live performances this year, that’s a lot of profit.
The money is stored in a bank account which cannot be accessed by any of the group, ensuring that these funds go to organisations which need them.
Operating solo, Martin often performs at fundraising gigs and concerts, has auctioned off his own tapes and shoes for charity, and is regularly getting involved with not-for-profits to help those in need. Charities he has given support to so far include MOAS, Amnesty International, Children in Need and so many more.
One cause that Martin consistently and openly supports is Fair Trade. Martin is a big believer in buying fair trade, and ensuring that everyone in the trade chain is treated, and paid, fairly.
Not only has Martin been involved in Oxfam’s Make Trade Fair campaigns, but he travelled with them to Ghana and Haiti to see the effects of unfair trade practices firsthand.
When performing, Martin often has ‘MTF’ (Make Trade Fair) written on his left hand, and has even added the statement to his piano - a constant reminder of what he stands for.
It would take forever to list all of Coldplay’s affairs, whether charitable or sustainable - but what you need to know is this: Chris Martin, and indeed, Coldplay as a group, have had countless opportunities to walk away from the needs of society. As one of the most famous British Rock bands of all time, they could have made that choice a long time ago, but they didn’t.
Instead, they have thrown themselves back into the world, taking on all its problems and concerns, using their fame and wealth and privilege to create positive change. Rather than choosing the easy path, Chris Martin has made the decision to make the world a better place - and what is more positive than that?
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
MAOS. Migrant Offshore Aid Station is an international humanitarian organisation created to respond quickly and efficiently to emerging crises. Support them here.
Amnesty International. Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights. Learn more here.
Oxfam. Oxfam is an international confederation of 21 NGOs working with partners in over 90 countries to end the injustices that cause poverty. Find out more.
