From car-free streets to recycled plastic workshops, this April, Archtober partners and local organizations across the city are celebrating Earth Month in full stride. Join the celebration of nature, the fight against climate change, and a commitment to sustainability!

‍

First Friday: Fused Plastic Collage Workshop

Friday, Apr 4, 3:00–4:30pm

Have you ever wondered what you can create with discarded plastics? Presented in conjunction with the exhibition Fallout: Atoms for War & Peace, this hands-on workshop at Poster House will introduce participants to the technique of fusing or layering plastics using an iron. Bring a piece of plastic and explore the material possibilities of various types of biodegradable, recyclable, and single-use plastics to create fused plastic collages, inspired by posters on environmental activism. All materials and tools provided; no previous experience necessary. This creative way to celebrate Earth Month will be led by Fan Kong, a researcher and teaching artist rooted in Queens, New York City.

‍

‍

Earth Week Kickoff Networking Evening at Building Energy Exchange

Thursday, Apr 17, 5:30–7:30pm

As the first reporting deadline for Local Law 97 (LL97) approaches, building owners must file compliance reports and take action to reduce carbon emissions. Join Building Energy Exchange at its Earth Week kickoff event where experts from city government, real estate, and energy consulting will share industry challenges, real-world case studies, and innovative strategies to help you navigate LL97 compliance. Afterwards, enjoy open networking with refreshments and connect with others in the industry.

‍

Open Streets: Car-Free Earth Day

Sunday, Apr 20, 10:00am–4:00p.m.

This annual car-free event hosted by the Department of Transportation will give access to 50-plus streets across the city, this year being the largest one yet! First launched in 2016, Car-Free Earth Day originally converted select Manhattan streets into public plazas and car-free streets for pedestrians, cyclists, and local businesses. Celebrate sustainable transportation this year in any of the five boroughs; there will also be free unlimited 30-minute Citi Bike rides by using the promo code CARFREE24 in the Citi Bike app.

‍

Celebrating Gardening Month at Bowne House

Saturday, Apr 26, 11:00am–12:00pm

Join Bowne House for Read Aloud Celebrating Gardening Month! Welcome the season of spring as Bowne House educators read stories about gardening and horticulture. Attendees will also enjoy a surprise craft project and refreshments. This free event is appropriate for ages 5 and up.

The Bowne House Historical Society was founded in 1945 by a group of local Flushing residents for the sole purpose of purchasing the house and opening it to the public as a museum in 1947. The House aims to educate the public about American history through the legacy of Bowne family members, who participated in events of both regional and national significance spanning over 300 years. The museum is best known for its association with the principles of freedom of conscience and religious liberty in America, due to the activism of the nine generations of family who lived there.

‍