Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22, and this weekend there are literally hundreds of ways to celebrate our planet throughout the New York Region, whether you’re looking to reduce carbon emissions, rid your community of litter, or simply connect with nature.
This weekend sees the return of CarFreeNYC, organized by the NYC Department of Transportation and Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez. On Saturday, April 21, from 9am-3pm, thirty blocks of Broadway will be pedestrian-only between Times Square and Union Square. Take a stroll and learn about how to make the city more sustainable and prepared for climate change at the booths along the way. St. Nicholas Avenue will also be made car-free between 181st and 190th Street in Washington Heights between 10am and 4pm.
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty, there’s very likely a volunteer cleanup effort in your community. Scenic Hudson has organized a cleanup of Crystal Lake in Newburgh, NY, while Secaucus, NJ is planning a town-wide cleanup at Mill Creek Marsh. In New York City, volunteers with organizations like the Gowanus Canal Conservancy and the Lower East Side Ecology Center will be practicing stewardship to make the city a more hospitable place for all kinds of life, humans included.
Of course, you can celebrate Earth Day in your own way by visiting a park, taking a hike on one of the region’s scenic trails, or learning how to consume and waste less and live more sustainably.
There are far too many opportunities to show your appreciation of Mother Earth to list here. Check out these resources to find an Earth Day event near you:
