Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka revealed the city’s plans for Earth Day 2024, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability through four distinct events aimed at fostering community involvement and environmental awareness.
“In Newark, we’re dedicated to promoting sustainability,” Mayor Baraka affirmed. “Each year, Earth Day provides us with an opportunity to come together, raise awareness, and tackle challenges within our neighborhoods. I extend my gratitude to our partners for their support as we continue to prioritize global consciousness and local action.”
The scheduled events are as follows:
- Tree Planting: On April 19, Newark Municipal employees will volunteer to plant up to 40 trees at designated locations, including the Springfield branch of the Newark Public Library and the New Community Corporation playground on Hayes Street.
- Cypher for the Sphere Volume II: Taking place on April 22 at Mulberry Commons in downtown Newark, this event, hosted in collaboration with The Urban Air Journal Outreach, will feature a panel discussion and hip-hop cypher focused on environmental issues. Attendees can also enjoy music by renowned DJs Awesome 2 and various performance arts.
- Slam Dunk the Junk: Also on April 22, volunteers will gather at the Department of Public Works’ Recycling facility for the annual “Slam Dunk the Junk” program. Equipped with supplies provided by the city, participants will engage in litter removal activities at pre-selected sites until noon.
- Paper Shredding Event: Concurrently on April 22, the Department of Public Works will host a Paper Shredding Event at their Recycling facility. Newark residents can safely destroy personal documents and recycle paper to prevent identity theft and protect the environment.
These initiatives underscore Newark’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. Over the years, the city has supported various programs and policies, including urban farming initiatives, community agriculture, and the NewarkGo program, which provides affordable battery-powered scooters and bicycles, promoting sustainable transportation alternatives.
