Earth Day in New York City 2022

Global climate change is a growing threat to the environment and many of the animals and plants who inhabit it. International Earth Day is a call for action that grows more urgent with each passing year.

While one day is just the beginning, it’s a start to creating not only awareness, but a difference in our planet. This year the Earth Day theme is Invest in our Planet. New York City is a wonderful place to invest in the planet and to get involved with making a difference in its future. We have just a few suggestions of events and volunteering opportunities around New York.

This April 21st the Earth Day Initiative will return to in-person events with the Earth Day 2022 Festival in Union Square as well as international online events. The in person event will include:

• Exhibitor booths featuring dozens of environmental organizations and climate organizations. Recent partners have included March for Science NYC, Fridays for Future, Natural Resources Defense Council, and dozens of other leading environmental and climate groups.

The virtual stage, which will broadcast from live events in NYC will host:

• An incredible line-up of speakers, presentations, and performances to explore climate activism, sustainable solutions, and community-building around environmental issues.

Union Square

Broadway To 4 Ave., E 14 St. To E 17 St.

New York, NY 10003

Earth Day Initiative in partnership with Vokswagen will also host a three-day fair on sustainable solutions at Hudson Yards April 22-24. Solutions in sectors such as transportation, energy, and fashion will be highlighted. The educational event will feature nonprofits, sustainable businesses, and interactive installations, talks and performances around sustainability.

Friday, April 22 – Sunday, April 24, 2022

Hudson Yards (the southeast corner of the Vessel plaza)

New York, NY 10001

On Saturday, April 23rd, 100 streets across the five boroughs will go car-free to celebrate Earth Day! This will be the fifth annual Car-Free Earth Day which allows New Yorkers to get out in their communities on bike and foot to experience the city in a different way as well as plant the seed for further environmental choices. For locations and hours see 1NYC.gov

NYC Transportation Commissioner and founder of Car-Free Earth Day, Ydanis Rodriquez eloquently says “Car-Free Earth Day is a growing tradition that allows New York City’s car-free streets to come alive. The last two years – of Open Streets, Open Restaurants, the surge in cycling and so much more — have only made us appreciate even more how much better we must treat Mother Earth — and a day without cars allows us to envision a more sustainable world for more than just one day.”

Saturday April 23, 2022

Various locations

Jefferson Park

In East Harlem, Latino Outdoors NYC is teaming up with Green and Blue Eco Care for an Earth Day cleanup of Thomas Jefferson Park on April 24. Volunteers will pick up debris and trash as well as plant sunflowers throughout the park. Space is limited so reserve a volunteer spot here.

114th Street and Pleasant Avenue

New York, NY

Hudson River Park

Earth Day is a great day to get involved at the Hudson River Park, and volunteer opportunities are ongoing along this 4-mile waterfront park on Manhattan’s West Side. Volunteer on Saturday, April 23 in an homage to Earth Day where you’ll work with seasoned horticulturists to help with maintenance of the gardens. Email volunteer@hudsonriverpark.org or call 347-515-2242 for more information.

Hudson River Park

Hudson River Waterfront, West St. btw. Battery Pl. and 59th St.

Manhattan, NY 10014

If you’re looking for a place to get into the weeds and mud, Randall’s Island Park Alliance is for you. An oasis in the city, Randall’s Island comprises most of an island in the East River, between East Harlem, the South Bronx and Astoria, Queens. This Earth Day, help restore wetlands and shorelines on the island. The park alliance has successfully restored over nine acres of salt marsh and freshwater wetland and maintains five miles of shoreline. The wetlands are an important natural resource and they serve to improve water quality, provide flood control and coastal protection during storm events, and are home to birds, fish, insects, and bivalves. However, the wetlands and shoreline require constant care and maintenance to continue their preservation. There are other opportunities to volunteer on the island including with the Horticulture Crew and the Urban Farm. Visit the event page for a full listing of opportunities to volunteer.

Sunday, April 24, 2022

10am to 1pm

Randall’s Island

20 Randall’s Island Park

New York, NY 10035

The Earth Day celebration at the NYBG is a tradition that focuses on the Garden’s central work to save the plants of the world and educate visitors about their importance in a larger ecosystem. All this takes place in a majestic setting that offers visitors a chance to relax and appreciate the beauty of nature.

Over Earth Day weekend, the Gardens will play host to food vendors, live music and even plant-related crafting on Daffodil Hill. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the Garden’s scientists to learn how they collect, study, and conserve plants and fungi. Tours will also be available. Purchase tickets for the event online.

Saturday, April 23 – Sunday, April 24, 2022

11 a.m.– 4 p.m

New York Botanical Gardens

2900 Southern Boulevard

Bronx, NY 10458-5126

Earth Day Initiative has a campaign called Do Just 1 Thing. It encourages all of us to be climate communicators. “Studies show that the most effective messengers on most topics are people’s friends, family, coworkers, and acquaintances. People are vastly more likely to care about an issue if they hear people from their own community talking about it and far more likely to act if they are invited to do so by people from their own community.” The campaign encourages us all to spread the word about the importance of climate change and the impacts it will have. So even if you cannot make it out to participate in one of the many Earth Day celebrations, the message can still be shared.

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.