Eco-Friendly Weekend Activities | NYC
Sometimes it takes a Leap Year to remember that certain things don’t have to happen once every four years – like trying out one of Greening the Apple’s suggested eco-friendly neighborhood activities! Check out our top recommendations and feel free to share your own in the comments section.
Annual Wollman Open: Head over to Wollman Rink in Central Park to cheer on some local skaters in the 13th annual basic skills competition. Events take place from 7:30 a.m. –5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 4.
Central Park Promenade Tour: Meet in front of Samuel F. B. Morse statue, inside the Park at Fifth Avenue and 72nd Street for many surprises: a hidden bench that tells time, miniature boats powered by the wind and a magnificent sculpture celebrating fresh water are just some of the sites you’ll visit on this east-to-west walk through the park. Saturday, February 4, 12:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Clothing and Textile Recycling: Textiles can be dropped off weekly at 8 select Greenmarkets: 97th Street, Union Square (Monday and Saturday only), Grand Army Plaza, Fort Greene, McCarren Park, Inwood, Tompkins Square and Jackson Heights. Collections accept clean and dry clothing, paired shoes, bedding, linens, hats, handbags, belts, fabric scraps 36″ x 36″ or larger and other textiles. Click here for the full schedule of textile recycling stations.
Funny Ha Ha: Can art be critical and humorous? Decide for yourself at the Brooklyn Arts Council Gallery’s upcoming group show, which explores different approaches to using humor in art. Saturday, March 3, 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm
Garlic Mustard Pull at Van Cortlandt Park: Head over to Van Cortlandt Park Nature Center to help remove Garlic Mustard plants around the park. Students earn community service hours. Layers, shoes, long pants, and long sleeves are highly recommended. Please note that this is a sunshine only event. Please check the Facebook link below for up to the minute cancellations.
Rechargeable Battery and Cell Phone Recycling: Since we just blogged about eCycling, it seems appropriate to promote GrowNYC’s collection boxes for rechargeable batteries and cell phones, stationed at Greenmarkets across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx. For a complete list of hours and locations, click here.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Queens: The Queens St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a high-spirited local affair. It’s held weeks earlier than the Manhattan parade, which makes it a great warm-up. Many New Yorkers prefer the Sunnyside version because it is less crowded, less touristy, and a neighborhood event ( the great local pubs don’t hurt, either). Join some prominent figures (such as Mayor Bloomberg) this Sunday, March 4, for the 2 p.m. kick-off.
Volunteer: Find volunteer opportunities in your area as an easy way to shake up your weekend plans (while also lending a hand).
Editor's Note: The opinions expressed in Greenversations are those of the author. They do not reflect EPA policy, endorsement, or action, and EPA does not verify the accuracy or science of the contents of the blog.