Clean Energy Calendar

The Climate Jobs Institute’s State of the NY Solar Workforce study provides a first-of-its-kind look into the experience of solar installers and maintenance workers on residential, commercial, and utility solar projects. From December 2022 to September 2023, over 250 survey respondents shared their experiences with regard to working conditions, pay and benefits; diversity, equity and inclusion, and more. The survey data also allow for an initial look at differences in working conditions across various demographic variables such as race, gender, and age.

This study offers an important perspective on the buildout of solar energy by giving voice to workers building this vital infrastructure.

Join Cornell ILR’s Climate Jobs Institute for an event that brings together labor, industry, and government experts to discuss the current state of New York’s solar industry and what it will take to ensure an accelerated buildout of solar power while creating family- and community-sustaining careers and a diverse, inclusive, and equitable solar workforce.

You can register for the event here.

Cutting methane pollution is the fastest opportunity we have to immediately slow the rate of global warming. The climate movement needs smart, strategic communications and grassroots organizing campaigns to win the policies to phase out dirty, expensive gas and boost cleaner, all electric alternatives. Please join the Yale Center for Environmental Communication for a conversation with Sonal Jessel, former Director of Policy at WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Sarah Lazarovic, Vice President, Communications and Creative Strategy at Rewiring America, and Phoebe Sweet, Founder & President – Acadia Strategies, and founder of Gas Leaks. Joshua Low, Partnerships Director at the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication will moderate the webinar.

You can register for the webinar here.

Celebrate Arbor Day with The Parks and Recreation Department on Friday, April 26th, 2024 at 3:45PM at Zinsser Park,

HRD’s offer an opportunity for residents to recycle household items like old medications, chemicals, paints, electronics, textiles (clothing, footwear, handbags, linens, leather, small area rugs) and more!

If you cannot make an HRD event, or want to avoid potential wait times, you can always schedule an appoint at DEF’s Household Material Recovery Facility (H-MRF) located on the Grasslands Campus at 15 Woods Road, Valhalla, NY. The permanent facility accepts the same items as the HRDs and is open year-round. Household hazardous waste and other items worthy of special handling are accepted from Westchester County residents on an appointment-only basis.

At HRDs, service works on a first-come-first-served basis, and in extreme weather when working conditions are deemed unsafe, events may be cancelled or terminated early. The Mobile Shredder is available at all HRDs, but be advised that on occasion the Mobile Shredder unit can reach its maximum capacity for paper shredding before closing time. Although infrequent, residents should be aware of this and open minded of the possibility of an early closure. On the day of an event, residents can call the County’s Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425 to check on a cancellation or early closure.

Follow these simple rules:

• Remember to close all bags and bottles tightly.
• All chemicals must be in original or labeled containers.
• Place all chemicals in a sturdy box and in the trunk of your car.There is no fee, but pre-registration is required for 100 pounds or more of solid material or 25 gallons or more of liquid. To pre-register, call the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425.

The following items are collected at the events:

Properly labeled household chemicals, including-

• Most automotive fluids – antifreeze, brake fluid, gasoline
• Paint (both oil and latex)
• Common household cleaners
• Flammable liquids – kerosene, butane, charcoal fluid, turpentine
• Textiles (bring in a bag: clothing, footwear, handbags, linen and more!)
• Metal, jewelry and furniture polishes, and wood preservatives
• Fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, photographic and swimming pool chemicals
• Fluorescent light bulbs and CFLs
• Fire extinguishers
• Propane tanks (1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 pound tanks)
• Batteries – only auto, rechargeable and button cell types
• Household appliances with Freon – air conditioners, refrigerators, dehumidifier
• Mercury thermometers and thermostats
• E-waste – items related to communications, including TVs, computers, monitors and related accessories, printers, fax machines, cell phones, radios, stereos, and speakers
• Car tires (maximum 4)
• Expired or unused pharmaceuticals – both prescription and over the counter
• Confidential documents

The items below are not accepted. For disposal information, call the Recycling HelpLine at (914) 813-5425.

• Non-rechargeable batteries – discard with household trash
• Motor oil – take to service station or motor oil retail outlet
• Compressed gas cylinders – helium and oxygen tanks
• Smoke and fire detectors – (dispose in trash or contact manufacturer for possible return service)
• Explosives – flares, fireworks, ammunition
• Medical waste – hypodermic needles
• Construction and demolition debris – materials from home improvement and construction projects (e.g. drywall, wood, pipes, fixtures)
• Materials from commercial and institutional users

Sleepy Hollow Residents are invited to put usable items you no longer want by your curb. Browse your neighborhood for treasures. If anything is left by your curb at the end of the day, please bring it back inside.

St. Catherine of Siena Environmental Summit: Karenna Gore, Keynote Speaker

Join us at Mariandale on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:30am to 2pm to invoke the fiery spirit and towering wisdom of St. Catherine of Siena as we summon college and university students and other leaders to an Environmental Summit of education and advocacy. Karenna Gore, founder and executive director of the Center for Earth Ethics, will serve as our keynote speaker presenting:

“As the Sea is in the Fish: Drawing from Ancient Wisdom to Forge an Earth Ethics for our Time”

The day will include ample opportunities for networking, planning, prayer, reflection, and collaboration. Karenna will address both the theoretical meanings and practical applications of earth ethics, including: how we live, eat, care for earth and relate to one another across species.

9:30am – Arrival, Check in, meet and greet
10am – Prayer, Introduction and Presentation
10:50am – Q&A and Networking
11:30am – Reflective engagement outside
12 noon – Lunch
1pm – Now What? Discuss; Actions, Steps and Advocacy!

Fee: $40 (includes lunch)

Student Fee: $20 (includes lunch)

Morning Keynote Speech Only, On-site: $20

Virtual Only Fee: $15 (10-11:30 am)

You can register for the event here.

Earth Day Celebration

Saturday, April 27, 2024 – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Senasqua Park, Elliot Way, Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 10520

Rain Date: Saturday May 4th, 2024

Join the Village of Croton-on-Hudson and the Croton Conservation Advisory Council for the annual Earth Day Celebration! Featuring live music, hands-on activities, Earth-focused vendors, and more.

Participating Vendors:

• Croton Sustainability Committee
• Croton Bike and Pedestrian Committee
• Feed The Birds
• Hudson River Clearwater
• Save A Tree
• Franzoso Solar
• Rewilding School
• Croton 100
• Saw Mill Audubon
• Croton Kids Garden
• Cornell Extension Cornell Master Gardeners and 4H
• MAE Goods Inc.
• Native Art, Minerals and Fossils
• Nature’s Enterprise
• Rivertown Solar LLC
• Friends of The Old Croton Aqueduct
• Mothers Out Front
• Croton Community Garden
• Teatown Lake Reservation
• Girl Scout Troop 2593
• Sustainable Westchester
• Croton River Artsan Gallery
• The Croton Chronicle
• Caroline Curan, author, Croton Point Park Westchester’s Jewel on the Hudson

Entertainment will include renowned Master Storyteller Jonathan Kruk, Janette Aiello from Little Genii Puppets Funny Fish with Chris Letts, Yoga with Cassie and music will be provided by Bobby G. and The Bohemians starting at 10:00 AM.

Join the Croton Conservation Advisory Council for a day filled with entertainment, education, and a shared commitment to our planet. We look forward to seeing you at Senasqua Park for Earth Day!

Food  Vendors will include:

Kinwich Food Truck

Vendor Information

The fee for vendors is $25. Please complete the online form to register.

Vendor Rules

• The following items are not permitted: single-use plastic bags, plastic bottles, plastic cups, plastic bowls, plastic utensils, plastic straws, Styrofoam containers and free plastic giveaways.
• Due to the windy conditions at Sensaqua Park, all vendors who wish to erect canopies are required to have their canopies sufficiently and safely anchored to the ground from the time their canopy is put up to the time it is taken down. Read this page for helpful information regarding proper canopy safety.
• Vendors are responsible for clean-up of assigned space.

Date: Saturday, April 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: SUNY Westchester Valhalla
The plant sale will be set up on the field between Parking Lot #1 and the Administration Building

You’ll find a great mix of native plants in sizes to suit all garden needs at The Native Plant Center’s much beloved Native Plant Sale. Since the sale launched in 1999, tens of thousands of native plants have found homes in area gardens and landscapes, supporting wildlife and providing ecological benefits to the community.

For more information, contact wcc.nativeplant@sunywcc.edu.

The Great Saw Mill River Cleanup for 2024 is happening Saturday, April 27, 2024! The event will take place from 10am to 1pm. Check back here for additional sites and cleanup site registration forms!

Celebrate Earth Month at Crestwood Library’s first-ever Repair Café! On April 27th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring your broken items for simple repairs and partner with a repair coach who will guide you through the process of fixing it!

Wouldn’t it be nice to extend the life of items you use and rely on everyday? Let’s reduce waste, share skills, and make friends at Crestwood Library’s very first Repair Cafe. The repair coaches will teach you how to avoid throwing away your products by helping you fix them. Simple fixes for clothing, bikes, jewelry, small appliances, and even Switch controllers (drift issues only) will be offered. Come join us to reduce waste and increase our positive environmental impact!

A Repair Café is a FREE community event.
Bring your broken but beloved items and volunteer repair coaches help you FIX THEM!

What kinds of items get fixed?
LAMPS • VACUUMS • CLOCKS • CHAIRS • ELECTRICAL ITEMS • SMALL APPLIANCES • DIGITAL DEVICES • CLOTHING & TEXTILES • DOLLS • STUFFED ANIMALS • TOYS • TOOLS IN NEED OF SHARPENING • JEWELRY • AND MORE!

MOST ITEMS GET FIXED – but even when they don’t, we have a good time trying!

Signups are not required, but they minimize waiting and give our volunteers some insight on what may be coming through the door for repair. Please use the blue button below to sign up for a time slot.

If you have any questions or would like to lend a hand, please contact sarahdwilson@optonline.net.

In honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day, join the Pound Ridge Partnership for An Eco Afternoon, Saturday April 27th, from 12pm to 3pm.  Community organizations are coming together, at Pound Ridge Square, to highlight earth-friendly initiatives. From composting to gardening, upcycling to recycling, climate action to energy conservation – see how you can keep things out of landfills. (P.S. Don’t miss the ice cream from the Market at Pound Ridge Square.)

Participating organizations include:

• PR Conservation Board – Arbor Day tree giveaway, compost giveback, and more
• PR Garden Club – daffodil sales
• PR Energy Action Committee – with Bedford 2030’s Energy Coach, Bob Fischman
• Sustainable Westchester
• PR Library – seed library, battery recycling, eclipse glasses recycling, eco kid’s craft
• PRES PTA/Student Council – learn about the cafeteria composting initiative and PRES Garden, ReBook Fair
• Lil Waste Refillery
• Afya – new personal toiletries and first aid supplies
• Curbside Compost
• Habitat for Humanity – small household items

Have fun with eco-friendly activities for adults and kids, empowering us all to play a role in protecting our village, town, and planet. Learn about water conservation, recycling practices, electric vehicles, composting, tree planting, pollinator pathways, and healthy eating. There’s something for everyone!

Bring your bikes for a free safety check, your used batteries to be tested and recycled, and your used corks to enter a raffle.  Enjoy live music and connect with local environmental heroes from Sheldrake, the Marine Education Center, Save the Sound, Victory Gardens, Sustainable Westchester, L-M Pollinator Pathway and the Town of Mamaroneck Sustainability Collaborative. Don’t miss out—be part of the movement with the Larchmont Environmental Committee on April 27th at Constitution Park!

Compost Giveback!
High quality, screened compost will be available for Westchester residents on Sunday, April 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., by appointment only, at the CompostED Facility in Valhalla!

Use the Compost Giveback reservation calendar to book a time slot! Please bring your email confirmation the day of the event.

The Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) is offering this compost distribution event to residents to raise awareness of the benefits of compost, encourage residents to compost at home, and promote the County’s Residential Food Scrap and Transportation Program!

To make an appointment, residents must register for event and sign up for a specific time slot. Due to the limited availability of compost, residents must arrive at the specific time slot for which they registered. Individuals who have not registered, miss their time slot, or arrive too early will be turned away.

Residents who register and arrive on time will receive 1 bag of compost (about a 5-gallon bucket). DEF will load the compost into your car. The team will also provide residents with information regarding municipal composting opportunities and other Department of Environmental Facilities initiatives.

Visit the Compost Giveback reservation calendar to book a timeslot!

The TarryHollow Repair Cafe is part of an intervillage community effort known as the “The Rivertowns Repair Cafe” and is organized by volunteers from Hastings, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow.

The TarryHollow Repair Cafe was established in 2023. It is co-sponsored by the Tarrytown Environmental Advisory Council (TEAC) and the Sleepy Hollow Environmental Advisory Committee (SHEAC).

This is the 7th event in a series of statewide events seeking to engage and connect with community lenders and project developers interested in more information on financing available through NY Green Bank’s $250 million Community Decarbonization Fund (CDF). The CDF, a wholesale lending pathway that will provide low-cost capital to Community Development Financial Institutions and other mission-driven lenders for local clean energy and building electrification projects and other scopes of work, will support lenders financing projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in disadvantaged communities. The CDF and this event support the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals to reduce emissions 85% by 2050 and ensure at least 35% with a goal of 40% of clean energy investments are directed to Disadvantaged Communities. The NY Green Bank is partnering with the City of Kingston and Hudson Valley Regional Council to promote this event.

You can register for the webinar here.

The Training on April 30th is for Community Health Workers, Contractors, and Housing Professionals!