Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.

On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, China, and some 120 other countries. This signing satisfied a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic draft climate protection treaty adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.

In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activist John McConnell proposed a day to honour the Earth and the concept of peace, to first be celebrated on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere. This day of nature's equipoise was later sanctioned in a proclamation written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations. A month later a separate Earth Day was founded by United States Senator Gaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970. Nelson was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom award in recognition of his work. While this April 22 Earth Day was focused on the United States, an organization launched by Denis Hayes, who was the original national coordinator in 1970, took it international in 1990 and organized events in 141 nations.

Numerous communities celebrate Earth Week, an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world faces. In 2017, the March for Science occurred on Earth day (April 22, 2017) and was followed by the People's Climate Mobilization (April 29, 2017).

Events

1) Earth Day New York 2018 In Union Square

Join us at the most high-traffic Earth Day event in the country! Our annual outdoor Earth Day New York 2018 event features dozens of exhibitors, including environmental non-profits, green businesses, kids' activities, and live performances. With more than 70 organizations represented, there is something for everyone.

Looking to make a simple green change to your lifestyle? Bring your utility bill to our booth at E. 17th and Park Ave. to make the switch to clean energy in just minutes and also get $25 off your next bill! You can also make the switch now.

Union Square, West New York, NY, 10003
Date and Time: Sunday, April 15, 2018 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM

2)Street Tree Identification for Beginners

Nature is everywhere—even in the midst of New York City’s urban sprawl. Join a Brooklyn Brainery–hosted walk through Carroll Gardens to learn to identify different trees by their bark, buds, leaves and overall shape. Once you know how to look for them, you’ll start spotting linden, maple and ash trees all over the city.

Brooklynbrainery PH ; 347-292-7246

3) Earth Day 5K Green Tour 2018

Join our annual walking tour of green sites around NYC! The tour is a fantastic way to get outside on Earth Day and get involved with some of the great green groups around NYC. Past sites on the tour have included a rooftop farm in Midtown Manhattan, the Lowline Lab, a natural food cooking school, and a composting site. You'll travel from site to site and learn about what each group is doing on the ground to help green the city. The tour is great for school groups, employee engagement teams, or anyone who wants to learn more about some of the environmental work being done right around the corner.

4)Earth Day Festivities on Kingsland Avenue

Please join NCA and our numerous partners for an action-packed Earth Day with events for all ages. Give the Street Trees on Kingsland Ave a little love. Get to know them and what they need to thrive. Meet Sophia Wohl and Bill Schmidt of Greening Greenpoint at the McGolrick Park Pavillion.

Place & Time ; Street Tree Care on Kingsland Avenue 10am - 12pm McGolrick Park Price ; Free

5)Clean & Green: Earth Day

Join us on Earth Day for planting and stewardship at our canal-side Salt Lot location! Please wear closed-toed shoes (boots preferred), clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, and hat/sunscreen if needed. We will provide all tools, materials, and gloves including snacks and water. Bring a water bottle if you have one. All volunteers under 18 must have a parent/guardian sign a waiver to bring to the event.

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