Every year on April 22, the world celebrates Earth Day, a day to promote the environmental movement and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the earth and its climate. In and around The New School, student organizations and university departments are finding their own way to celebrate sustainability and encourage action towards climate justice. These are just a few events around campus where students, staff, and faculty can take part in the Earth Day celebration.
Earth Day Art Show – Hosted by The New School Climate Justice Club and BIPOC Earth
Wollman Hall 3 – 8 p.m
The Earth Day Art Show brings together New School student artworks that are united thematically by environmental and social justice. Held on the fifth floor of the Eugene Lang building in Wollman Hall, the event will last from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on April 22.
With an emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability for all people, the event is “about provoking optimism amongst the viewers. Especially about…climate solutions.” Climate Justice Club member Marikit Mayeno said. “There can be a lot of fear around climate change and I don’t think that action or solutions come or stem from fear. I think that rather hope is a catalyst for having…a positive impact on the world.”
You can RSVP here.
Earth Day Convergence – Presented by Tishman Environment and Design Center and organized by Start: Empowerment, Friends of the Congo, La Plaza Cultural Garden, and the Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management program
La Plaza Cultural Garden 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
This two-day event is a “family-friendly community gathering led by BIPOC, queer” and other organizers, according to the event description. Kicking off on April 22, the convergence will take place at La Plaza Cultural Garden on Avenue C and E 9th Street. Select virtual events will also be held on Zoom. The in-person gathering will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days.
Attendees can expect “workshops, teach-ins, and skillshares for developing the mindsets and tools to build autonomy and community in the fight for collective liberation,” according to Start: Empowerment’s Instagram.
You can RSVP here for April 22, and here for April 23.
Earth Day Open Mic – Hosted by Communiversity
Earth Church 5 p.m.
The student-led anti-capitalist group’s open mic asks attendees to bring their “celebrations of our planet.” Held at the Earth Church on the corner of E 3rd Street at 36 Avenue C, organizers encourage those willing to bring “earth-inspired poetry, songs, performance art, etc, and prep for applause.”
Free food will be provided. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Art For Earth Day – Hosted by Climate Care Collective
Tompkins Square Park 2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
For those looking to buy environmentally conscious artwork this Earth Day, Climate Care Collective, a New York City student environmentalist group, is hosting a showcase for sustainable artists to highlight and sell their work. Held in Tompkins Square Park from 2 p.m to 4:30 p.m., those looking to sell their work at the flea market can DM the group on their Instagram.