A Breath of Fresh Air: Celebrating Earth Day Without Cars Communities Unite for a Greener Future on Woodside Avenue
By Save the People
On a lively Saturday in Queens, Save the People brought the community together for an inspiring celebration of Car-Free Earth Day 2025. Held on Woodside Avenue (75th to 78th Street) in Jamaica, Queens, the event ran from 10 AM to 4 PM, combining education, entertainment, and advocacy to promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.
The event began at 10 AM, transforming the bustling streets into a lively, car-free zone filled with eco-friendly activities and a strong sense of community. Attendees engaged in exciting challenges like life-sized Connect 4 and other games that tested their skills and strategy. Kids won prizes for their thoughtful ideas on how to save the Earth and for their victories in the games, which added an extra layer of fun and motivation.
The day also provided a platform to learn about Save the People’s mission, emphasizing their dedication to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and sustainable practices. Their booth became a hub for engagement, offering insights into their impactful initiatives and opportunities for attendees to get involved.
A standout feature of the event was the ‘Acts of Change’ wall, where participants wrote or drew their ideas for creating a greener planet. By the end of the day, the wall was adorned with powerful and inspiring pledges from community members, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainability.
The event reached its peak after 1 PM, when a soulful nasheed singer performed, captivating the audience with melodies that celebrated unity, spirituality, and harmony with nature. This was followed by an interactive performance that energized the crowd and brought everyone together in celebration.
Volunteers who contributed to the event’s success were honored in a special ceremony. NYC Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez presented them with certificates of recognition, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.
Throughout the day, children explored their creativity at the art corner, crafting eco-themed projects, while the henna station offered a cultural touch, adding beauty and joy to the festivities.
The event’s main session, held from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, focused on environmental conservation through talks and interactive discussions. These discussions highlighted the importance of creating car-free zones, adopting sustainable urban practices, and fostering a deeper connection between communities and the environment.
Save the People’s partners including UNA-USA, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), World’s Humanity, and Elhaam Academy played a crucial role in the event’s success, providing resources, engaging with attendees, and reinforcing the message of sustainability.
The celebration left an indelible mark on the community, showcasing what’s possible when people prioritize the planet over convenience. Attendees marveled at the peaceful, car-free streets and the vibrant atmosphere, a testament to the power of collective action.
As the event concluded at 4 PM, Save the People reflected on its success and the connections it fostered. Plans for next year’s celebration are already underway, with the organization committed to expanding its reach and continuing to inspire communities to embrace sustainability and environmental stewardship.
