In October of 1969, the National Teach-in on World Community organized the symposium “The Question Is: Survival.” This event was hosted at Columbia University and addressed the ongoing environmental crisis. Prominent speakers included civil rights activist Ossie Davis, Beat poet Allen Ginsberg, peace activist David Dellinger, and student activists Tom Hayden and Mark Rudd, alongside veteran environmentalist Barry Commoner.

In the summer of 1969 the newly-formed Young Lords launched the Garbage Offensive, the first of several of their campaigns relating to environmental health. In contrast to wealthier neighborhoods, trash was regularly left to fester in East Harlem and other poor communities of color throughout the city. After repeated requests for additional resources, the Young Lords blocked traffic between 110th and 111th Street with piles of garbage to protest inadequate sanitation services.

On June 12, 1982 an estimated 750,000-1,000,000 people gathered in Central Park--Manhattan's largest green space--to protest nuclear weapons and show support of the United Nations Special Session on Disarmament. It remains one of the largest protests in United States history.

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Earth Day in April 1990, New Yorkers gathered once again in Central Park and listened to bands such as Daryl Hall and John Oates, Edie Brickell, and The B-52s perform.

The Daily News was one of the many news outlets that covered the April 22, 1970, Earth Day celebration that went down Fifth Avenue. It reported that there were no arrests or disturbances and highlighted the success of the day’s events.

For the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970, an estimated 100,000 people participated in various events in New York City. Fifth Avenue was closed to traffic from Union Square Park to Central Park, and 14th Street between 3rd and 7th Avenues was transformed into an "ecological carnival."

On September 20, 2019, an estimated 250,000 people mobilized in New York City around Foley Square, packing the streets surrounding City Hall for a global "Climate Strike." The protests were organized ahead of the United Nations Climate Summit of 2019 and was led by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. Fridays for Future and other youth groups continue to stage protests downtown.

The Department of Street Cleaning was established in 1881, although routine trash collection and street cleaning did not begin in earnest until 1895. The Department of Sanitation, as it is known today, is in charge of recycling, which was instituted citywide with Local Law 19 in 1989. It also runs the city's composting program, which is returning citywide after a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staten Island's Fresh Kills opened in 1948 as a temporary landfill, but closed only in 2001 after it had become one of the largest landfills in the world. At the height of its operation, it received 29,000 tons of waste per day, and community pressure increasingly decried its effects on surrounding ecosystems and wildlife. The site is now being transformed into a public park that spans 2,200 acres, nearly three times the size of Central Park.

Brooklyn's polluted Gowanus Canal is undergoing a much-needed cleanup as the EPA initiates the dredging of the canal to remove toxic "black mayonnaise." This thick, hazardous substance consists of harmful chemicals and heavy metals, posing environmental and health risks. This $1.6 billion Superfund project by the EPA, ongoing since 2010, aims to improve water quality, protect the ecosystem, and create a healthier environment for aquatic life and the community. On March 15th, 2023 Mayor Eric Adams, alongside New York City's Chief Climate Officer and Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Rohit T. Aggarwala, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 2, commenced the groundbreaking ceremony for the first of two underground storage tanks. These tanks, when completed, will have the capacity to prevent approximately 12 million gallons of sewer overflow during rainstorms, effectively safeguarding the Gowanus Canal from pollution.

Since its establishment in 1974, the Bronx River Alliance has been committed to safeguarding and revitalizing the lower Bronx River, which spans from the Bronx-Westchester County border to Hunts Point and Clason Point along the East River. With a core focus on environmental justice, ecological restoration, and public access, the organization has achieved significant milestones, including the successful completion of a $2.9 million capital project aimed at restoring the Bronx River's sole floodplain forest. Furthermore, as a founding member of S.W.I.M. (Stormwater Infrastructure Matters), a citywide coalition dedicated to advancing sustainable stormwater and green infrastructure planning and policy in New York City, the alliance continues to make a positive impact. In 2016, the Bronx River Alliance unveiled the Bronx River House, a 7,000-square-foot facility located near 174th Street in Starlight Park, South Bronx, adjacent to the Bronx River. Serving as a central hub and headquarters, the Bronx River House plays a crucial role in promoting environmental understanding and engagement with the river. Through the organization of events such as the springtime Amazing Bronx River Flotilla and the fall Golden Ball Festival, it attracts individuals to experience the river firsthand. Additionally, the facility trains volunteers to monitor the river's conditions and collaborates with over 40 local schools, youth groups, and community organizations, actively involving residents in the development of the Bronx River Greenway and contributing to the river's ongoing restoration efforts.

Big Reuse, an operational partner for the Department of Sanitation's NYC Compost Project, is driving environmental justice in the city. By collaborating with seven botanical gardens and composting nonprofits throughout the city, they empower New Yorkers to actively participate in compost production and utilization. Their state-of-the-art compost-producing site facility, nestled beneath the iconic Queensboro Bridge in Queens, serves as a beacon of sustainability. Through their efforts and working in tandem with a network of partners and more than 500+ volunteers, they have collected over 2.3 million pounds of organics from 75 food scrap drop-off sites and parks, resulting in the production and distribution of 740 cubic yards of compost. Additionally, they actively engage in community outreach efforts with 84 events held and close to 4,000 people reached. By tabling at community events and providing street tree care, they are proactive with the local community and spreading awareness about the importance of composting and environmental care.

In 1988, New York City faced a severe environmental crisis at city beaches like Coney Island and Brighton Beach. Five of the city’s seven public beaches had to be closed for extended periods due to the alarming amount of sewage, debris, and medical waste, including blood vials containing HIV and hepatitis, washing up on the shore. This prompted the creation of the collaborative "Floatable Action Plan" the following year, which brought together federal, state, and city agencies. The plan involved routine helicopter surveillance to spot floating debris and specialized boats equipped with nets for regular and emergency cleanup operations. This proactive approach aimed to prevent future beach closures caused by massive garbage slicks, ensuring the protection of New York City's coastlines.

El Puente, a Brooklyn-based organization in Williamsburg, Brooklyn has undertaken impactful projects that exemplify their commitment to environmental justice. They have transformed vacant lots into community gardens and parks, creating accessible green spaces in underserved neighborhoods. These projects not only enhance the community's aesthetic appeal but also contribute to improved air quality and a healthier environment. El Puente has also advocated for healthier learning environments in public schools, partnering with educators, parents, and local authorities to address issues such as mold, lead, and ventilation. Their efforts have led to increased funding and policy changes, ensuring safer and healthier school environments for students. Additionally, El Puente has actively participated in waterfront revitalization projects, collaborating with community members and experts to restore and protect polluted waterfront areas. Through their initiatives, El Puente has empowered residents, raised awareness, and made lasting positive impacts on their community's environmental well-being.

Just one Avenue over on Manor Ave you can find the headquarters of South Bronx Unite, a community organization actively addressing environmental justice concerns in the South Bronx. They work on a variety of initiatives to promote a healthier and more sustainable environment for the residents of Mott Haven and Port Morris. One of their main focuses is waterfront development and land use, where they campaign against projects that could harm the community like opposing the placement of waste transfer stations that contribute to pollution in their community. Additionally, South Bronx Unite promotes green practices, advocating for renewable energy sources like solar power and supporting community gardens and urban farming to improve local food production and access to fresh produce and combat food deserts. Their efforts aim to empower the community, raise awareness, and advocate for policies prioritizing South Bronx residents' environmental well-being and rights.