5 Great New York Activities to Do for the Planet on Earth Day

Earth Day is officially this weekend (April 22nd)! Last weekend we published a round up of ways to celebrate Earth Day. This week we continue to honor the beautiful planet we all call home, with 5 simple things you can do to help keep the earth healthy while in New York City.

Earth Day is a great time to commit to reducing your carbon footprint. While in New York consider walking or biking to your destination as much as possible. Take advantage of the City’s pedestrian friendly walkways such as the High Line, parks and sidewalks. Earth Day is a great day to jump on a Citi Bike and go for a ride. As an added incentive, Citi Bike will offer free unlimited 30-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike on Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day. All riders may take advantage of the offer by using the promo code CARFREE23 in the Citi Bike app.

The annual Car Free Earth Day in NYC event will be returning for its sixth year on Saturday, April 22. Certain streets will be closed off to vehicles and participants can enjoy activities such as healthy eating demos, an urban design workshop, animal trivia, biofact presentations, rides on Lime scooters, and more. To see street closures and where the action will be taking place, check out the New York City DOT website.

Saturday April 22, 2023

Various sites around New York City

Queens Farm is celebrating Earth Day in NYC by offering an opportunity to give back to planet Earth with a volunteer service day. Queens Farm is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State with a history that dates back to 1697. This year at Queens Farm you can lend a hand by helping sift compost, garden bed maintenance, a spring clean-up, mulching, weeding and more. You can visit with the resident beekeeper and see the apiary. There’s also tractor hayrides to enjoy and fun for the whole family!

Volunteers are bound to work up an appetite and Queens Farm will be ready with a selection of delicious food. East Coast Street Tacos, Knot of this World Pretzels, Tania’s Kitchen, Ed’s Polish Kielbasa and Funnel Cake by Ice Delights will all be on hand to fill hungry tummies. Grab a bite and hop over to a picnic table to enjoy a scenic outdoor meal.

Saturday, April 22, 12 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Queens Farm

73-50 Little Neck Parkway

Queens, NY 11004

Join the celebration of Earth Day at Open Street in La Marqueta in East Harlem. Here you can help create seed bombs with local small business Urban Garden Center. You can also make recycled art at Street Lab’s READ cart. Learn more about La Marqueta’s space here.

Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

La Marqueta

E 115th St & Park Ave

New York, NY 10035

Planting a tree or starting a garden is a great way to help the environment and connect with nature, but it is a little more challenging when in a city such as New York where space is at a premium. This Earth Day, join forces with the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance at a Forest Restoration Friday event. This is a weekly program that allows community members to help maintain the forested landscape in the Bronx. In April, they’ll be planting trees!

You can assist with seasonal work such as removal of trees and shrubs, preparing planting sites, planting, and a wide assortment of other projects. Forest Restoration Fridays are a great way to learn about forest ecology, and get your hands dirty in protecting this wonderful resource and it’s especially meaningful on Earth Day! Tools and gloves will be provided. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

Friday, April 21, 2023

9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m

Van Cortlandt Park

Broadway and, Van Cortlandt Park S

Bronx, NY 10471

The Lombardy Hotel’s timeless elegance is iconic to Midtown Manhattan. Our rooms are spacious, comfortable and thoughtfully designed to make you feel at home. We look forward to hosting you on your next visit to New York City.

*Due to Covid-19 our restaurant, cafe and gym will remain closed for a time.