Programs & Events




Merrick Academy

On April 28th, Earth Day Network provided Merrick Academy in New York City with a "Green Makeover" that educated students and made the school more environmentally friendly. This event was held in conjunction with Earth Day and the Green Apple Music Festival on April 20th.

Leading up to and culminating on Monday, April 28th, Merrick Academy's "Green Makeover" consisted of a(n):

  • Living wall that pumps 300-500 ft3 of clean air per minute. Saves 20% on energy costs.
  • Window boxes for every classroom to grow herbal plants and flowers.
  • Exchange of all lights in the school for energy efficient alternatives.
  • Automatic light sensors for every bathroom.
  • Ecological mural using eco-paint.
  • Vermicomposting bins.
  • Professional Energy Audit.
  • Air Quality Sciences (AQS) indoor air quality testing.
  • Rainwater harvesting assessment.
  • Earth Fair with presentations and booths of environmental and community organizations.
  • Lessons in every classroom using The Lorax.
  • Organic food for teachers, staff, and students.

The school is one of the first schools in the nation to receive a "living wall," which will decorate the school's main entrance, give students an opportunity to care for the plants, and purify air for a large portion of the school. EDN's "Green Makeover" at Merrick was a one-of-a kind event at the school.
Students in every classroom received lessons about the environment by their teachers and then rotated into the multi-purpose room to hear presentations from the community and environmental groups participating. In all, six groups educated all 500 students at the school on healthy eating,recycling, composting, and overall respect for the environment. Smaller groups of students planted herbs in their classroom window boxes and others helped the art teacher, Ms. Bright-Green, design and paint the new eco-mural in the cafeteria. To learn more about the organizations that participated, see our Merrick Partners page.
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