Ode to Earth Day
By Sienna Gaetani
April 20, 2025
I was born and raised in New York City, where nature might not always be front and center, but it’s still there if you know where to look. That makes me all the more eager to see it. I’m always drawn to nature, whether walking through my local park on weekends, doing homework outdoors, or playing soccer with my cousins by the piers.
From the time I was a little kid helping my dad in our small backyard garden, I felt a connection to nature. I remember how the soil felt under my fingernails, the scent of the fresh lavender surrounded by bees, and with my simple task of sweeping and watering, I felt the quiet joy of simply watching all the plants come to life over time. Those Saturday afternoons in the sun, taking care of the plant side by side with my dad didn’t seem like much then. But now, I realize it was the quiet moments like those that first sparked my love for the natural world. That love has only grown stronger with time. Nature feels like home to me, and I want to protect it with everything I’ve got.
The day that celebrates Mother Nature, April 22, is just around the corner, and I would love to share the ways I now give thanks and support the environment. I made minor changes to my lifestyle that helped the planet. For example, recycling is a widely known practice that is truly helpful to our planet. It’s a simple action that reduces waste and keeps landfills from overflowing with items that could’ve had a second life.
Additionally, the city has about 300 parks in Manhattan, 150 in the Bronx, 200 in Brooklyn, 100 in Queens, and over 30 on Staten Island. You can take advantage of each one by volunteering to help out a day or more! From gardening and weeding to cleaning up garbage and planting flowers, volunteering at your local public parks helps keep our city clean while making it a great way to enjoy the outdoors while giving back.
Similarly, there are amazing events where people come together to clean up beaches, restore hiking trails, or plant trees in urban neighborhoods. I’m a big fan of the organization Sunrise Movement, which hosts tons of youth-led environmental actions and events. Other impactful groups include Fridays for Future, where students worldwide organize climate strikes to push for climate justice, and Extinction Rebellion, a global movement that uses nonviolent protest to demand action on the climate crisis. Joining these groups allows you to stand up for the earth alongside other passionate, like-minded people who care deeply about the same things you do.
Other simple things you can start doing now include switching to reusable water bottles and tote bags, reducing your meat intake (even just once a week!), buying second-hand clothes, riding your bike or walking more often, and supporting eco-conscious brands.
Every little thing counts. Taking these small steps can make a big difference, so give it a try! You don’t have to be perfect. Just start somewhere! Let’s show love to Mother Earth, not just on April 22, but every day after.
