Over the past several decades, scientists have noticed significant changes

in our environmental conditions, like an increase in record-breaking hot

days — this is called climate change. Our rapidly changing climate makes

it difficult for all living things, especially humans and animals. That’s why it’s

important for each of us to reduce our carbon footprint. Carbon footprints

are ways humans contribute to the dangerous chemicals and greenhouse

gases that are released into the atmosphere. This year, the Hudson County

Improvement Authority has provided you with tips and information in the

2021 calendar about what we can all do to protect the future of our planet.

CLIMATE CHANGEHCIA 2021 CALENDAR

A calendar of art created by Hudson County students in recognition of the annual Hudson County Improvement Authority Earth Day Calendar Contest.

NEW YEAR, NEW CHOICESA new year is a good opportunity for all of us to make productive lifestyle changes, including making choices that will help reduce our carbon footprint. This year, challenge yourself to go Zero Waste by limiting plastic use and buying secondhand clothing and package-free items.

Kiya Vanera, Grade 2 - PS #25

JANUARY 2021

Fun Fact: Did you know the HCIA offers free tips for you to limit waste? Visit HCIA.org to learn more!

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New Year’s Day

Epiphany

Eastern Orthodox Christmas

Eastern Orthodox New Year

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

COOL LINKS COOL APPSpackagefreeshop.comlivescience.com

Recycle Studio

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!The best way to keep our neighborhoods clean is by limiting what needs to be disposed of, reusing and repairing items before they are tossed in the trash and recycling properly. When products like plastic bottles are manufactured, harmful factory chemicals can be introduced into our air. Instead, consider using a reusable water bottle to save money and help to sustain the environment for years to come.

Kaivalya Dutta, Grade 3 - BelovED Community Charter School

FEBRUARY 2021

Fun Fact: Only plastics with #1 and #2 printed on them should be recycled. Download the Recycle Coach app on your phone or tablet

to learn more about your local recycling programs and schedule.

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National Freedom DayFirst Day of Black History Month Groundhog Day

Lunar New Year

Valentine’s Day Presidents’ Day Mardi Gras Ash Wednesday

Purim Begins

COOL LINKS COOL APPSrecycleright.orgrecycleoftenrecycleright.comearth911.com

Recycle Coach

Planting a garden has many benefits for the environment: it helps pollinators like bees and butterflies, and if you plant veggies and herbs, it can reduce your carbon footprint by limiting your trips to the grocery store. This spring, consider planting a garden or growing herbs or flowers in your window sill or in your community.

PLANT A GARDEN, HELP THE ENVIRONMENTRashi Jakhotiya, Grade 7 - Secaucus Middle School

MARCH 2021

Fun Fact: Many cities have community gardens in local parks for people to grow their own plants and vegetables. If you don’t have space at home, check with your town to see how you can

participate in a community garden.

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First Day of Women’s History Month

Maha Shivaratri Begins

Mobile Shredding North Bergen - Braddock Park

Mobile Shredding Secaucus High School1st Day of Spring

Mobile Shredding Bayonne - Gregg ParkPassover Begins

DaylightSaving Time St. Patrick’s Day

WorldWater Day

Palm Sunday Holi

COOL LINKS COOL APPSkidsgardening.orgnjagsociety.orgstate.nj.us/dep/seeds

Veggie Garden PlannerMy Little Terrarium

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY!Every year, Hudson County joins communities across the world to recognize Earth Day on April 22. Earth Day was first observed in 1970 and has since grown into a global holiday with the goal to diversify, educate and activate good environmental practices. You don’t have to go far to enjoy all the beauty Earth has to offer! Celebrate our planet this month by doing outdoor activities in our county parks, like kayaking in Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus, taking a guided nature walk in Lincoln Park in Jersey City or having a picnic in Braddock Park in North Bergen.

Kaashwl Shah, Grade K - Kindergarten Hudson Arts and Science Charter School

Fun Fact: The HCIA is the sponsor of New Jersey’s longest running Earth Day celebration. Visit HCIA.org to learn more about events

scheduled for this year.

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APRIL 2021

April Fool’s Day Good Friday Holy Saturday

Easter

Ramadan Begins Tax Day

Earth Day

COOL LINKS COOL APPSearthday.orgplanetpals.comepa.gov/earthday

Google Earth

Mobile Shredding Union City - Jose Marti School Hoboken - DPW

Mobile Shredding Kearny - West Hudson Park Guttenberg - DPW

DISPOSING OF HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTEYou probably have several items in your house that need to be discarded carefully to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Things like pool chemicals, oil-based paint, tires and certain oils need to be disposed of in a special way. Many of these items can be properly recycled for free at HCIA approved collection sites. Visit HCIA.org for a full list of times and locations of where these items can be discarded, as well as a list of acceptable materials.

Genesis Lema, Grade 4 - St. Francis Academy

May 2021

Fun Fact: Did you know, the HCIA collects hazardous waste from thousands of residents for free every year?

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Cinco de Mayo

Mother’s Day Eid al-Fitr

Shavuot

Memorial Day

COOL LINKS COOL APPSnjhazwaste.comstopwaste.org

Recycle CoachMobile Shredding Jersey City - Lincoln Park

HHW, Tire, Computer RecyclingNorth Bergen - MUABayonne -Gorman FieldOrthodox Easter

HHW, Tire, Computer RecyclingJersey City - Municipal ComplexKearny - DPWArmed Forces Day

Mobile ShreddingWNY - DPWHarrison - TBD

June 5 is World Environment Day, an initiative by the United Nations to encourage worldwide awareness and action to protect the environment. It’s easy for us to do our part and work together to prevent the devastating impacts of climate change by volunteering with environmental organizations, talking to your local community leaders and educating your friends.

OBSERVING WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAYJerrick Kamaraj, Grade 7 - Academy 1

JUNE 2021

Fun Fact: The main cause of climate change is due to decisions we as humans make, like cutting down trees and burning fossil

fuels like coal and oil. That’s why it’s important for us to all do our part to protect the Earth from further damage.

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WorldEnvironment Day

Primary Election Day

Flag DayJuneteenth Observed Juneteenth

Father’s DayFirst Day of Summer

Palm Sunday Holi

COOL LINKS COOL APPSworldenvironmentday.globalun.org/en/observances/environment-day

Recycle Studio

TRAVEL SMART, TRAVEL GREENDid you know that electric vehicles emit less than half the amount of greenhouse gases than traditional gasoline powered cars? Not only are electric cars cheaper to maintain, they are better for the environment. But, you don’t need an electric car to reduce your carbon footprint when traveling - consider riding your bike, walking or using public transportation when possible to limit the amount of air pollution caused by private, gasoline powered vehicles.

Raphaela Abu, Grade 2 - Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

JULY 2021

Fun Fact: New Jersey is a leader in electric vehicle incentives and rebates. There are over 15,000 electric vehicle charging stations

throughout Hudson County, in Jersey City, Hoboken, Weehawken, Secaucus, Kearny, West New York and Harrison.

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Tisha B’Av Begins

Independence Day

Independence Day Observed

Eid al-Ahda Begins

Friendship Day

COOL LINKS COOL APPShudsontma.org/charging-your-electric-vehicle-in-hudson-coun-ty/ chargeup.njcleanenergy.com/

PlugShareNJ Transit

CLEAN COMMUNITIESThe Clean Communities program helps towns across the state address littering. The HCIA works with non-profit organizations, schools and businesses to conduct cleanup projects throughout the county. These litter cleanup activities and programs improve our neighborhoods and make them even better places to live.

Tessa Szyba, Grade 4 - St. Francis Academy

Fun Fact: You can host a cleanup event in your own neighborhood! Call (201) 324-6222, ext. 3257 to learn more about how we can help

you organize it.

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AUGUST 2021

NationalNight Out

Muharram Begins (Muslim New Year)

Assumption Ashura

Women’s Equality Day

COOL LINKS COOL APPShcia.org/index.php/recycling/clean-communitiesnjclean.org

Oroeco#climate

REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINTOne of the best ways to protect the planet is to reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing your carbon footprint, you are limiting the amount of harmful gases that enter into the air we breathe. You can also live a more sustainable lifestyle by having meatless Mondays, eating locally to cut down on production pollution and carpooling when possible.

Standey Sauveur, Grade 8 - Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

SEPTEMBER 2021

Fun Fact: You can learn more about your own carbon footprint and how to reduce it by visiting nature.org/en-us/get-involved/

how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator/

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Labor DayRosh Hashanah Begins Patriot Day

Mobile Shredding Harrison - TBD Union City - Jose Marti School

Mobile Shredding Bayonne - Gregg Park

Grandparents Day

Yom Kippur Begins

Constitution Day

Sukkot Begins First Day of Fall

Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah Begins

COOL LINKS COOL APPSepa.gov/sustainability Earth Hero: Climate Change

H2O Quality

Energy Efficiency Day is October 6 and was first observed in 2016 as a way for leaders and organizations to identify and promote ways to save money, cut pollution and create jobs. Using energy-efficient appliances in your home not only prevents unnecessary air pollution, but also helps save you money in the long run. Despite an increased population over the past several years, the United States’ electricity use has remained steady, primarily because more people are using energy-efficient appliances and switching to LED light bulbs. So next time your family is buying a new refrigerator or cooling system, be sure to read the label first!

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

OCTOBER 2021

Fun Fact: New Jersey offers a ton of incentives to help you and your family reduce energy use and save money. Visit

NJcleanenergy.com to learn more about receiving rebates on Energy Star appliances, qualifying for a free energy audit & more!

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Energy Efficiency Day

Columbus Day Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Mawlid al-Nabi Begins

Halloween

COOL LINKS COOL APPSenergyefficiencyday.orgbiofriendlyplanet.com

EmPOWERed Kids byConsumers Energy

Ashley Zaldivar, Grade 2 - Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Scarlett Castillo, Grade K - Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Amiro Giop Ramirez, Grade 2 - Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

HONORABLE MENTIONSGRADE K-2

31

Mobile ShreddingWNY - DPW Kearny - West Hudson Park

Mobile ShreddingJersey City - Lincoln Park

Mobile ShreddingNorth Bergen - Braddock Park

Mobile ShreddingHoboken - DPWGuttenberg - DPW

HHW, Tire, Computer RecyclingBayonne -Gorman FieldSecaucus - High School

HHW, Tire, Computer RecyclingJersey City -Municipal ComplexKearny - DPW

Food waste accounts for the largest amount of material that ends up in our landfills. Instead of throwing away your old food and kitchen scraps, composting is a great way to turn old organic material into rich material for your garden, shrubs or indoor plants. Not only will you be eliminating unnecessary harmful gases like methane from entering into the air, you’ll also save money on things like garbage bags and other disposal material.

PREVENTING FOOD WASTE

Fun Fact: The HCIA collects old pumpkins in November to bring to a local compost facility so they don’t turn into greenhouse

gases. You can also purchase a discounted compost bin on HCIA.org so you can compost food waste in your own backyard.

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Veterans Day

Thanksgiving

Start of Hanukkah

Native American Heritage Day

All Saints’ Day

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Election Day Diwali

America Recycles Day

COOL LINKS COOL APPSstopfoodwaste.ieusda.gov/foodlossandwaste

USDA Food KeeperYour Local - Fight Food Waste

Vihaan Badani, Grade 3Learning Community Charter School

Arav Bajoria, Grade 5Huber Street School

Mobile ShreddingSecaucus -High School

NOVEMBER 2021HONORABLE MENTIONS

GRADE 3-5

Amber Cato, Grade 5Clarendon School

Lineysha Goel, Grade 4St. Francis Academy

Fiona Kamaraj, Grade 4PS #25

Karina Nikolaev, Grade 4St. Francis Academy

Cirriyah Rhodes, Grade 4Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Mikyla Thomas, Grade 5Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Preventing climate change is about more than just recycling. One thing we can do this holiday season is to consider purchasing experiences rather than physical “stuff.” If you do plan to buy gifts, make sure they are made from long lasting, eco-friendly and recyclable materials and packaging. Also, don’t forget to shop locally to help our small businesses!

SHOP SMART THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Fun Fact: Christmas trees need to be properly recycled and placed on the curb free of lights, ornaments and plastic. Check

with Recycle Coach or your local DPW for more information about your town’s collection dates.

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Kwanzaa Begins New Year’s Eve

Christmas Eve Christmas

Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

First Day of Winter

DECEMBER 2021

COOL LINKS COOL APPSgreenpeace.orgtreehugger.com

GreenChoice: Grocery ShoppingPalmSmart

HONORABLE MENTIONSGRADE 6-8

Sergio Canales, Grade 8Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Jaiden, Grade 7Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Jahmin Johnson, Grade 7Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Sheyla Moreno, Grade 8Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Victor Nikolaev, Grade 6St. Francis Academy

Nayson Randolph, Grade 8Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Jacob Ransom, Grade 6Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Darline Sanon, Grade 8Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Sheqia Torres, Grade 6Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Maiyisha Ulysse, Grade 7Dr. Lena Edwards Academic Charter School

Amanda J. NesheiwatDirector of Environmental Programs

(201) 324-6222 ext. 3210amandan@hcia.org

Call us at (201) 324-6222 x3257 or visit us at: hcia.org

830 Bergen Avenue, 9th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07306

HCIA_online HudsonCountyImprovementAuthority

HCIA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAMSThe HCIA Environmental Programs Division offers a number of programs targeting issues. The 30 to 45 minute audience participation programs are available for Pre-K to Grade 12 in

public, private, charter and parochial schools throughout Hudson County. Virtual programs are available.

Our programs provide an open forum

to augment any

• Environmental Curriculum• Recycling Program

• Local Clean-up Project

Thomas A. DeGiseHudson County

Executive

Norman M. GuerraChief Executive

Officer

Kurt A. CherryExecutive Director/

Chief Financial Officer

Students’ Work Takes the Spotlight“The past year has been trying for all of us, but despite the challenges Hudson County’s young students have once again risen to the occasion to create meaningful and educational art for this year’s calendar contest. On behalf of the entire Board, we thank everyone for participating and using this as a unique opportunity to shed light on the environmental issues we face.” Frank Pestana, HCIA Board Chairman

Doing Our Part, Together“Each year, the Hudson County Improvement Authority works diligently with all 12 municipalities to ensure our communities are appropriately discarding waste and properly recycling. This year, I encourage you to participate in one of the HCIA’s HHW collection or shredding days to continue the progress we have made to create a brighter environmental future for Hudson County.” Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise

Fighting Against Climate Change“The Hudson County Improvement Authority is committed to providing residents with the resources, tools and education necessary to reduce the negative impacts of climate change in our community. We look forward to continuing this work in the coming year by creating new opportunities to build a more sustainable future for Hudson County.” Norman M. Guerra, Chief Executive Officer

HCIA CommissionersFrank Pestana, Chair

James P. Doran, Ed.D., Vice ChairNicholas Goldsack, Treasurer

Frank Lorenzo, SecretaryFred M. Bado

Brian K. DellabellaJeffrey Dublin

Martin T. MartinettiJohn A. Peneda

County CommissionersAnthony P. Vainieri Jr., Chair

William O’Dea, Vice ChairAnthony L. Romano, Jr.,

Chair Pro-TemporeJerry Walker

Kenneth KopaczYraida Aponte-Lipski

Fanny J. CedeñoCaridad Rodriguez

Albert J. Cifelli

Thomas A. DeGiseHudson County

Executive

Norman M. GuerraChief Executive

Officer

Kurt A. CherryExecutive Director/

Chief Financial Officer