Green Ways to Honor MLK and Give Back

NYU’s MLK Week is just around the corner.  As you reflect on what Martin Luther King, Jr. has contributed to society, consider some suggestions we have compiled for how you can also give back and make our world a better place too. 

"The time is always right to do what is right." - MLK

The holidays can be a time of increased consumption, whether you celebrate by giving a lot of gifts, participating in Black Friday, vacationing somewhere warm to beat the winter blues, or feasting on tons of food. Unfortunately, this increased consumption usually leads to more strain on the environment. I’ve been using my down time over the holidays to think about how I can give back to my community, especially in ways that help offset my carbon footprint.

My family, for example, took a trip to Australia over the holidays. We saw so many incredible national parks, wild animals and landscapes, but one of the most amazing things we saw was the Great Barrier Reef. Because of its rapid degradation, the Great Barrier Reef has become a symbol of the biodiversity that is being lost due to climate change–and I was grateful that I was finally able see it.

However, on the very long plane ride back home, I had to face the reality that my trip to see some of the greatest environmental wonders of the world was also harming these same ecosystems. So, in an attempt to offset some of my contributions to global emissions, I resolved to spend some of my winter break giving back in an environmentally and socially conscious way, and I wanted to share some of the great resources I came across.

Whether you’re feeling inspired by MLK, you want to offset your winter vacation, or if you’re looking for another extracurricular to add to your list of commitments this semester, check out the resources and organizations below to find a service opportunity that is right for you:

MLK Day of Service: Feb. 9th 2019. Register now

Register by January 29 for NYU’s MLK Day of Service on February 9, and get a free breakfast in Kimmel, a free hat, and MetroCard provided.

Or if you’re looking for one-off volunteer opportunities, here are some great resources that list a bunch of upcoming service opportunities and help you find ones you’re interested in:

If you’re looking more for ongoing commitment, here are some green service ideas:

Some easy ways to volunteer while having an environmental impact are by getting involved with farmers’ markets or community gardens:

  • GrowNYC has various volunteer opportunities to help support greenmarkets throughout the city. 
  • The NYC Department of Parks and Recreation has a handy tool for finding a community garden to join that’s right for you.

And if coming back to the concrete jungle has you missing home, or you’re really excited to be back in the city, channel those feelings through community service.

Students volunteer with Washington Square Park Conservancy.
Image courtesy of Washington Square Park Conservancy.
  • The Washington Square Park Conservancy has various opportunities to help maintain the park in the center of our Manhattan campus, while reminding you of all the lush greenery.
  • Big Reuse helps tackle big urban environmental problems like construction and food waste. 

Or, get involved with an organization that solves environmental problems while also safeguarding clean air and protecting important resources like food and water.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. Feel free to do your own searching to find opportunities to stay green while giving back! Or check out other resources NYU has for everything service-related:

  • Attend the upcoming NYU Service and Volunteer Fair in the Kimmel Center, Eisner & Lubin Auditorium (4th Floor), on Tuesday, January 29 from 4:30 – 7:30 pm.
  • Attend Club Fest in the Kimmel Center on Wednesday, January 30th from 1:00 – 6:00 pm, to get an idea of organizations and clubs that you can also channel your time and effort into. NYU has many different groups, so you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest!

Check out NYU Service for more information about resources and opportunities and explore the events for NYU MLK Week, February 4-9.

Hope to see you all giving back and getting green!