This year, Earth Day falls on Monday, April 22. Earth Day was first observed 54 years ago, on April 22, 1970, to generate support for environmental protection. The Earth Day theme for 2024 is “Planet vs. Plastics,” pushing for a UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, warning people of health risks associated with microplastics, and introducing innovative solutions for recycling and replacing plastic. All three towns in the FLOW district are Sustainable Jersey Silver Certified, meaning the town works on a variety of sustainable fronts such as community outreach, climate change mitigation, recycling, and tree protection. As Sustainable Jersey Silver Certified towns, the FLOW District will hold multiple events in honor of Earth Day.
The Wyckoff Environmental Commission (WEC) will be hosting its annual Team Up to Tidy Up (TUTU) event on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with a rain date of Saturday, May 4, 2024. Community members are encouraged to sign up for the event, which will include informative freebies and a litter pick-up session, ahead of time on the Wyckoff Township website. Beth Fisher, Chairwoman of the WEC, says, “The goal of Team Up to Tidy Up is to make Wyckoff clean and beautiful. Volunteers pick up any garbage and/or recyclables littering our public open spaces. This is important because litter is often washed into storm drains, which flow to our streams, lakes, and rivers and pollutes our water supply. Litter is waste in the wrong place and we appreciate all of the volunteers who donate their time to Team Up to Tidy Up and keep our town clean and green!” The event raises awareness of the negative impacts of litter on the town.
Additionally, the Wyckoff 2024 Spring Recycling/Shredding event will be held on Saturday, May 4 between 9 am and 11:30 am at the Wyckoff DPW. This event offers residents the opportunity to shred and recycle sensitive documents (up to 10 pounds), discard styrofoam for reuse, and safely dispose of unused or expired prescription drugs at no cost. Franklin Lakes is hosting their Shred Day on Friday, April 26 between 9 am and 1 pm behind the police department on DeKorte Drive. Franklin Lakes residents will be limited to 4 boxes of paper per vehicle for recycling.
The Wyckoff YMCA is hosting its annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 27 from 10 am to 1 pm. The event is free and open to all, regardless of membership status. Attendees will have access to free information, crafts, sporting events, swimming, contests, healthy snacks, and more. The event encourages kids to pursue a healthy lifestyle for themselves and the planet. Local organizations, such as the WEC, will be present at the event. Pre-registration is required through the YMCA website.
EarthFest Overpeck, in Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park, will feature a fishing derby, free kayaking, food trucks, green vendors, music, and various activities. The festivities will be held on Sunday, May 19 between 12 pm and 5 pm. The Recycled Regatta, an event where participants will compete to cross the Overpeck Creek on homemade recycled boats, will occur before the EarthFest begins. Proceeds from the entry fees will be donated to the Hackensack Riverkeeper to protect, preserve, and restore the Hackensack River.
For those willing to travel, Hoboken Business Alliance is hosting an Earth Day celebration at Jackson Plaza on Sunday, April 23. The event will feature a bluegrass and folk festival, local vendors, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Taking the train into Hoboken from Waldwick or Allendale is a more eco-friendly option for transportation. The New York Botanical Garden, accessible by public transport, is running several Earth Day programs this year. The events include wildflower informational sessions, an orchid show, an EcoQuest challenge, and more. The New Jersey Botanical Garden in Ringwood, NJ provides a closer look at cherry blossoms and offers seasonal programming.
Attending an event isn’t necessary to celebrate Earth Day. Picking up litter, walking around local nature preserves, planting local pollinator plants, and going geocaching are great ways to enjoy and help the environment solo. Consider cooking a dish with local produce from the Ramsey Farmers Market, Ridgewood Farmers Market, or Abma’s Farm in Wyckoff. Grab a group of friends, some lemonade, and a speaker, and get outside this Earth Day.
