Friends,
As we celebrate Earth Day, I urge each of you to take a moment to think
about the harsh realities of human-induced climate change that are threatening
our planet each and every day.
It's not too late to take action. We can each make simple, but effective
changes in our everyday behavior that will improve the future of our City and our earth for generations to come.
Today, I - along with thousands of New Yorkers - participated
in Car Free NYC, using only public transit and walking to get around because vehicle emissions
are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution. Going car free isn't
an option for everyone, but we can all take greater care to use reusable
bags, turn off the lights when we leave the room, turn off the sink when
we're brushing our teeth, and recycle. That is why I introduced a
recycling program in NYCHA buildings throughout the City to educate residents
about the benefits of recycling and incentivize them to participate.
Small behavioral changes, such as these, greatly reduce carbon emissions
and waste and have long-term positive impacts on our environment.
We all have a responsibility to ensure that the City and the planet we
pass on to our children and grandchildren is healthy and thriving.
Sincerely,
Letitia James
New York City Public Advocate