April 22 is Earth Day and we have an opportunity in celebrating its many wonders and uniting to preserve it for generations to come. Earth Day was first observed in 1970. Inspired by the aftermath of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill, Senator Gaylor Nelson created the national day to focus on environmental issues and advocate for environmental protection, leading to the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency and other national measures designed to support sustainability.
This year, the theme of Earth Day is Planet vs Plastics. The rise of plastics has caused major disruptions to the environment, posing health risks to all life on earth. Earth Day seeks to reduce the production of plastic 60% by 2040, suggesting such actions as phasing out single-use plastics and ending fast fashion.
There are many opportunities to get out and get involved in Earth Day this year!
NYC events include:
NYC Parks & Recreation Department is hosting a number of events in parks all across the five boroughs, ranging from volunteer opportunities to performances to art workshops. Find your nearest event here.
Department of Transportation is kicking off the 2024 Open Streets season on the 20th; from 10 AM to 4 PM, you can enjoy car-free spaces and Earth Day programming throughout the city. Free Citi Bike rides are available through partnership with Lyft by using the code CARFREE24 in the Citi Bike app.
Department of Sanitation offers free composting across the city, which is a great way to help clean up our streets and sustainably beautify our green spaces.
Other Earth Day events across the city include:
Broadway Celebrates Earth Day Concert
EarthFest at the American Museum of Natural History
Bee-a-Pollinator: Earth Day Service at the Queens County Farm Museum
Earth Day: Native Blooms at the National Museum of the American Indian
Waste No More Clothing Swap at the Brooklyn Museum
Earth Day Celebration at the New York Botanical Garden
Be sure to take an opportunity to reflect on the many majesties the planet has to offer and consider how you can help make a positive impact to clean up the environment around you.
We only get one Earth, so treat it with care.
