This post is dedicated to anyone who thinks they do not have the power to change or help with anything. I have been learning that if I want something changed, I need to be involved in changing it! One person can’t do everything, but if I can be part of the change in some way, it is great knowing that I did my part to help change the world to the best of my ability.
There are a few really amazing Terracycle programs that are happening this month. I will be participating, in conjunction with me getting involved at home and at school. Along with having a super discount on purchasing any Zero Waste boxes, they have partnered with Tom’s of Maine to provide free shipping labels to send off any unwanted old toys! Check out all of Terracycle’s free programs, so you can start terracycling (and saving the world) too. Check out my previous vlog about Terracycle here.
Along with events, there are plenty of things to celebrate, this and every month. I am a huge fan of incorporating Animal Holidays into my weekly lessons, and it is a great way to educate children about animals – what they need, where they live, etc. It is important to never forget that animals have homes and they need our help to continue to live in this world with us. Plus, who wouldn’t want to celebrate something like National Dolphin Day?
Below are a list of events happening this month that celebrate saving Mother Earth in some way. The ones in green are the ones I will be attending to learn how to “get involved” in April! Throughout my adventures this month, I will be collecting items that can be Terracycled, such as cigarettes, old toys, binders, etc. I am also collecting clothes/shoes/accessories for my Spiritual Center’s Clothing Swap (info below). If you would like to donate to me, or have any ideas or questions on how to change the world, please send me an email!
April 19th and May 25th City of Newark and Covanta E-Waste Recycle Day
- Covanta Energy is a super cool waste to energy landfill I visited. They (and other sponsors) are partnering with Newark to provide the residents an easy drop-off place to get rid of their electronic waste in a sustainable way. Electronic waste is anything that needs a battery or power outlet in order to run, such as a toaster, cell phone, or remote-controlled car.
- From 7:30 AM to 2 PM on 4/9 at Peter Francisco Park and 5/25 at Weequahic Park, electronic waste will be collected. For more information, please call 973-491-9191 or 973-877-9772.
April 22 Kearny Town and Park Cleanup
- I live in Kearny, and when I met with my Mayor (see above vlog post) he told me to talk with a councilwoman who schedules a park cleanup in my town twice a year. I have lived here my whole life, and have never thought about asking something as easy as this. I emailed her, and she responded! I am super excited for this one, because not only will I be helping beautify my town, but I will also be bringing two of my students to help me! I had Maryah and Naziem my first year of teaching, and they are also excited to do their part in saving the world.
- On Saturday, April 22 they will begin at 9:30 and end at noon at Frank Vincent Marina. The Town clean up is at 10:00 at Town Hall.
April 22 March on Science
- March for Science in Trenton or Princeton. This march is in support and safeguard the scientific community. Obviously, science is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT when it comes to saving the world. Although I cannot be there, as I will be with friends cleaning a park, I am rooting for all of you to march in support of facts and science.
- More information on the march can be found here.
April 23 CSLNJ Earth Day Clothing Swap
- I go to the Center for Spiritual Living North Jersey, and they inspire me to make a difference in the world. In doing so, they’ve given me this outlet to help teach others to ‘reuse’ and ‘reduce’. A clothing swap is where you can get rid of, or reduce, your clothing collection. Bring clothes you do not want, and others will do the same. You can get a whole new closet this way – that is the reuse part.
- This will be held at CSLNJ – 31 West Caldwell Avenue. Caldwell, NJ 07006 – from 12:30 to 3:30.
- Bring $5, and as many reusable bags as you can.
- If you want to donate clothing before, or if you have any other questions please contact me 🙂
- I am looking for volunteers to help me that morning, around 10 AM to 10:30 AM, to fold clothes and help with setting up the clothing collection.
April 29 People’s Climate March on Washington
- This is a big one. The Climate March in Washington D.C. I, and my family, will be marching for climate, jobs, and justice. I do not pick sides like democrat or republican – the only side I am on is the Planet’s, and I want to be part of the One Voice that helps this planet heal from all the destruction we continue to do to it. Super excited because it is also my younger cousin Hannah’s birthday, so we get to have a spectacular weekend sleepover party. I get to spend it with my little cousins AND help save the planet!
- More information about the march can be found here and if you want to find a bus/transportation there, I suggest you go here.
NJEJA Educational Leadership Training
- This is a multi-Saturday workshop training that is held through the NJ Environmental Justice Alliance. Newark needs a lot of help, especially in its beautification, but there are amazing (and FREE) opportunities like this to learn how to be part of the change, instead of complain about something needing to change. I won’t be going to every single workshop, but I will definitely be going to a few of them, as environmental leadership is something I would like to learn more about.
- Workshops take place from 10 AM – 2 PM (lunch is provided as long as you RSVP) at Rutgers Newark 350 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, 2nd floor – Rm# 227, Newark, NJ 07102 and held on 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, and 6/24
- To learn more about the workshops (or getting involved with the NJEJA) you can contact Nicole Scott-Harris newarkorganizer@njeja.org
