Earth Day Activities in Brooklyn, New York
Brooklyn residents as well as visitors to the area can choose from several Earth Day celebrations. The majority of events are free to the public and offer activities that suit any age group. If possible, try to take a bike or walk to the events to provide an ecologically friendly method of transportation that coincides with the occasion. Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22.
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IKEA/Erie Basin Park and Prospect Park
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One of the main Brooklyn activities for Earth Day is the Earth Day Celebrations at IKEA/Erie Basin Park. Events include a tour of the Mobile Nature and Maritime Museum. Inside, visitors see exhibits like the Lenape Dug Out Canoe in addition to an on-site aquatic ecology lab. Recycling is encouraged and special locations provide opportunities to recycle small electronic devices. Music is a feature attraction with live concerts by bands and DJs. Prospect Park presents an Earth Day Weekend with environmental activities and learning opportunities at the park's Audubon Center.
Habana Outpost
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Habana Works Inc., a nonprofit that works toward environmental education, presents an Earth Day Expo at Habana Outpost. Vendors on hand sell green items such as clothing and art. Representatives from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden offer classes on composting, while other classes include topics like beekeeping. The restaurant at Habana Outpost, which serves environmentally conscious entrees, is open for dining.
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Go Green! Go Earthpoint! Earth Day Celebration
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The Go Green! Go Greenpoint! Earth Day Celebration in Brooklyn is sponsored by the volunteer group Town Square. Recycling areas are on hand for electronics and bicycles. Additionally, a display of artwork with ecological themes is made entirely from recycled products. Vendors sell ecologically friendly items, and bands and dance groups put on performances throughout the day. Classes cover topics like yoga while contests such as a scavenger hunt encourage participation.
National Grid Earth Day Celebration
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The Brooklyn Center for Performing Arts sponsors the National Grid Earth Day Celebration to show families how they can help the Earth. Live music and street performers are on hand. Displays educate about recycling ideas in addition to energy conservation.
Gowanus Earth Day Flotilla Cleanup
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The Gowanus Earth Day Flotilla Cleanup, in the Red Hook area of Brooklyn, is put on annually by the nonprofit environmental organization Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy. Volunteers clean up the Gowanus Canal with the aid of skiffs, canoes, paddleboats and nets.
Fashion
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An annual get-together goes on at the Outpost Lounge to showcase local designers who use ecologically friendly items. During the showcase, people can shop and sample designs. Education is also available on how to add environmentally conscious clothing items to a wardrobe. Spring Handmade Cavalcade features more than 25 designers at Berry Park bar. Items such as housewares, apparel and accessories are not only environmentally sound but locally made. The first 100 people who attend receive a goody bag.
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References
- offManhattan: 14 Ways to Celebrate the Earth This Week in NYC; Caitlin O'Connell, 2010
- New York Daily News: 2011 Habana Works Earth Day Expo at Habana Outpost
- Earth Day Network: Brooklyn's Earth Day Celebration at IKEA/Erie Basin Park
- New Yorkled: Earth Day New York City 2011
- Prospect Park Alliance: Earth Day Weekend
- Environmedia Mobile-Nature and Maritime