earth day events EARTH DAY 2023 INVESTING IN OUR PLANET

by Sandra Yeyati

This year’s Earth Day theme—Invest in Our Planet—reminds us that it is not enough to merely celebrate our ancestral home for one day. We are called upon to dedicate our time, money and talents year-round to ensure a sustaining and just world for generations to come. The motto also calls attention to the economic realities and opportunities of the climate crisis. It is no wonder that EarthDay.org, the global organizer of this annual event, decided to keep the same theme as last year, thus underscoring a continuing need to bring global economies together in harmony with the environment.

“In 2023, we must come together again in partnership for the planet. Businesses, governments and civil society are equally responsible for taking action against the climate crisis and lighting the spark to accelerate change towards a green, prosperous and equitable future. We must join together in our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future generations. The time is now to invest in our planet,” advises EarthDay.org President Kathleen Rogers.

Surmounting the climate crisis is within reach if we all take action. The time is right for innovators to bring planet-saving ideas to market, and for consumers to stop supporting brands that are socially and environmentally irresponsible—instead, spending money with businesses that take the Earth’s future seriously.

In the voting booth, citizens have the power to elect leaders that will help build a green economy through regulations, incentives and partnerships with the private sector. We can press our congressional representatives to support clean energy jobs and move away from the doomed fossil fuel economy.

There are many ways to make a difference in our daily lives, too. We can eat sustainable foods, pick up trash while on a run, participate in beach cleanups, reduce our use of plastic, write our representative, switch to solar power, take reusable bags to the grocery store, drive an electric vehicle, compost, go pesticide-free, plant a pollinator garden, support local farmers, eat less meat, purchase secondhand clothing, use environmentally friendly cleaning products, turn off lights when not in use, take shorter showers and so much more. Learn about all of the ways to make a difference at EarthDay.org.

This year, join one or more of the empowering events here in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess and meet planet-loving people that are ready to push up their sleeves, vote with their pocketbooks and dedicate their time to a healthy, equitable and prosperous future on Earth.

FRIDAY, APRIL 1

Earth Month in Tarrytown – April 1-30. Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) holds a series of free activities and events to celebrate Earth

Day throughout the month. There will be opportunities for all ages to get involved in helping our local environment, and having fun in the process. Info: TarrytownEnviro.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 17

Pitch In For The Parks – April 17-22. Volunteer to help the Westchester Parks Foundation spruce up local parks. Choose your date and location and pitch in to paint, rake, prepare and plant flower beds, clear trails and shorelines, restore wildlife habitats and remove invasive vines from trees. Preregistration required: Tinyurl.com/WestchesterPitchIn.

SATURDAY, APRIL 22

D.I.G. Farm’s Earth Day Season Kickoff – 10am. Celebrate Earth Day with unique activities such as learning about mushrooms and foraging, cooking demos, and hands-on experiences in sustainable farming practices. Join guided tours and help with planting for a fun and educational day for all. 115 June Rd., North Salem. Info: DigFarm.org.

Great Saw Mill River Cleanup – 10am-1pm. Join the Saw Mill River Coalition to haul out tons of trash and debris, leaving the river cleaner and free-flowing for the critters and human folk to enjoy. Volunteers choose from six sites in Yonkers, Irvington, Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry and Hastings. Info: GroundworkHV.org.

Green Ossining’s Earth Day Festival – 10am-5pm. Join Westchester County’s largest community-run Earth Day festival; Bring family and friends. Learn how to live a more sustainable life, visit artisan vendors, and enjoy food and live music on the banks of the Hudson River. Info: GreenOssining.org/earthday-festival/.

Earth Day Everyday Festival – 11am-3pm. Join the Friends of Pound Ridge for this third annual community event. Enjoy local organic, plant-based food, purchase flowering perennials and partake in family activities for all ages. Pound Ridge Square, 57 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge. Info: EarthDayEveryday.co.

SUNDAY, APRIL 23

Mount Kisco Earth Day Celebration – 12-4pm. April 23. The Mount Kisco Conservation Advisory Council is planning its best Earth Day celebration to date! There will be live music, an awesome raffle, tree giveaways, animals, children’s programming, green demonstrations and so much more. Info: Facebook. com/mountkiscocac.

Save The Date

SUNDAY, MAY 7

Earth Day Festival: Bedford 2030 – 12pm. Join this Earth Day celebration along with Bedford 2030, a grassroots effort in our community to achieve aggressive climate action goals. Bedford Hills Train Station, 46 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills. Info: Bedford2030.org.

Muddy Hands Festival – 1-4pm. A celebration of conservation, ecology and nature play. Hands-on learning and adventure play. Kids; activities, demonstrations, workshops and nature exploration. Join us for fun, friends, food and music! Freedom Park, 212 Skidmore Rd., Pleasant Valley. Town of LaGrange Parks & Recreation, LaGrangeNY.myrec.com.