Spring is now in full bloom, and there is no better day to spend outdoors than Earth Day. April 22 marks this national holiday dedicated to raising awareness about one’s carbon footprint and the importance of sustainability. Here are some of the best ways to spend Earth Day in an eco-friendly manner.

Earth Day Festivities

Become involved with NYU Earth Day events or events held near campus. Earth Day New York is hosting a day-long event from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Union Square. This family-friendly event will host a variety of organizations and activities such as an evening concert. 5j Barrow and Echo Bloom are among the bands performing in Union Square. There will also be opportunities to recycle clothing and electronics. Many exhibits and booths will give out eco-friendly samples. NYU is hosting school and local green organizations at their Earth Day Street Fair, which will be held at LaGuardia Place between Bobst Library and the Kimmel Center for University Life from noon to 5 p.m. From food to eco-friendly, solar-powered music, this fair is sure to be enjoyable and informative.

Food/Picnic

Spend the day enjoying the spring weather with an Earth Day picnic. Before heading to your favorite park, stop by the local eateries that will provide special Earth Day discounts and deals. Grab a picnic-box sandwich from ’wichcraft, where $1 of each order will go toward Earth Day New York’s environmental-awareness efforts. For a discount on your daily dose of caffeine, bring a reusable mug to Starbucks for a free cup of coffee, iced coffee or tea. Head over to Washington Square Park and find some green space for you and your friends to enjoy. Bring your own towel and blanket to keep the area clean. Finish your picnic with a green tea cupcake from Crumbs, the store’s special Earth Day flavor, to help raise awareness of its goals to use local ingredients and reduce their overall carbon footprint ($3.75). Be sure to throw out any waste in a trash bin and recycle glass, plastic and paper.

Volunteering

Perhaps the best way to honor Earth Day is by volunteering. Many organizations are hosting public volunteer events throughout the week of Earth Day. The Student Conservation Association is hosting a volunteer day at Hudson River Park on April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will focus on planting, weeding and mulching the Habitat Gardens at the park. Only plants native to the area will be used in efforts to replenish the natural environment of Hudson River Park. For more volunteering opportunities year-round, check out local organizations such as NYC Parks, MillionTreesNYC or Build it Green! NYC. After all, it is important to remain environmentally conscious more than just one day a year.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, April 14 print edition. Dana Reszutek is b/style editor. Email her at [email protected].