by Ronica A. O’Hara

On April 22, eco-conscious citizens will come together again in communities across the country to celebrate Earth Day and work for the planet’s healthy, sustainable future. This year, the Earth Day Network (EDN) is asking people to join its Protect Our Species campaign to raise awareness of the crucial roles that plants and animals play in the ecosystem and the current threats faced by many of them.

The nonprofit cites that the world is facing the greatest rate of extinction in 60 million years because of human activity, including climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides. But the good news, EDN says, is that the rate of extinctions can be slowed, and many of our declining, threatened and endangered species can still recover if we work together now. This will necessitate a united global movement of consumers, voters, educators, faith leaders and scientists that demands immediate action. EDN is asking people to advocate for government policies that protect species and their habitats, and to continue to build on the worldwide efforts that embrace the value of nature.

It is also asking people to undertake such individual actions as adopting a plant-based diet and stopping pesticide and herbicide use. More information, including teach-in toolkits and facts on threatened species, from whales to insects, can be found at EarthDay.org.

Help New York City celebrate and promote progress in species sustainability efforts by participating in these local Earth Day 2019 events.

SUNDAY, APRIL 21 NYC Earth Day Bazaar – 10am-5:30pm. Come discover and shop both indoors and outdoors where you’ll find talented local artists, makers and independent vintage and antique dealers who creatively use recycled materials to create incredible jewelry, fashion, furniture, art, home accessories and more. Grand Bazaar NYC, 100 W 77th St, Manhattan. Grandbazaarnyc.org. 12th Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration – 3-8pm. Come join us for a very special day with our conscious community as we gather in unity honoring Mother Earth. Inspirational talks from spiritual, interfaith and environmental leaders, live music and dance performances, meditation and prayers, vendors and food. $15 advance/$20 cash only door/$10 children. Social Hall, 4 W 43rd St, Manhattan. 212-222-5432. [email protected]. PlanetHeart.org.

MONDAY, APRIL 22 Visit NYC’s Great Green Sites – Join our Earth Day 5K Green Tour, a fantastic way to get outside on Earth Day and get involved with some of the green groups around the city. Included are a Hudson River ecology school, state-of-the-art waste/recycling center, a zero-waste office and a rooftop farm. Lunch included and provided by Just Salad. In West Village and Chelsea. 212-922-0048. [email protected]. EarthDayInitiative.org/2019-events.

TUESDAY, APRIL 23 Earth Day 2019 – 12-6:30pm. Join us for the most high-traffic Earth Day event in the country! This annual outdoor event features dozens of exhibitors that include environmental non-profits, green businesses, kids’ activities, and live performances. Free and open to the public. Union Square, E 17th and Broadway, Manhattan. EarthDayinitiative.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 28 Earth Day Celebration – 1-4pm. Join Prospect Park Alliance and community partners for our annual celebration. Enjoy fun-filled, family-friendly programming that celebrates the environment, including catch-and-release fishing, raptor demonstrations, volunteer cleanups, arts and crafts and nature games. Prospect Park Boathouse and Audubon Center, 101 East Dr, Brooklyn. Eventbrite.com/e/earth-daycelebration-in-prospect-park-tickets-54311661642.