DiaryWelcome to New York City
Michelle Parkes ·
Let’s take a look around!
New York City is the most populated city in the United States with around 8.5 million people calling it home. New York sits on one of the world’s largest natural harbours and consists of 5 different boroughs. Like many big cities, it is very diverse with an estimated 800 languages spoken.
From the Empire State Building to Times Square and Broadway; NYC not surprisingly attracts large numbers of tourists each year. And of course, we can’t forget Central Park. It’s the first public park to be built in America and one of the most popular! It sits in the middle of Manhattan and is home to thousands of migratory birds each year.
5 cool facts
- From Russian, to Spanish to Chinese…
More than 800 languages are spoken in New York City! This makes it the most linguistically diverse city in the world.
- Free trees!
If you’re a property owner in New York, you can request to have a tree planted for free!
- Honk at your own risk!
If you’ve ever visited NYC, you’ll note the loud car honking everywhere you go. But did you know it’s actually illegal to honk your horn?!
- Light it up!
The Empire State building gets hit by lighting at least 23 times a year!
- A flight of fancy
275 of the 800 known birds living in North America have been spotted in Central Park.
4 of the best New York City residents
- Cheeky!
You’re likely to see the odd Eastern chipmunk in Central Park. Their cheek pouches are made of extendable skin and can be used to stuff full of acorns or other food before hoarding for later.
- Big city dwellers
Racoons really do love big cities! There are 20 times more raccoons in cities than there were 70 years ago. Probably to do with the huge amount of food waste readily available. Their tiny hands are so sensitive that they act like taste buds.
- Could drive you batty
The eastern red bat hangs out in trees. They are rarely seen when roosting as they resemble dead leaves.
- Causing a right stink
They may be rare in New York City but you may find skunks lurking around Central Park. Don’t get on the wrong side of one though. Their defence spray can travel up to 10 feet! As well as smelling pretty foul, it can also temporarily blind you if it catches you in the eye.
Where does the maths teacher like to hang out?
Times Square!
What issues face New York City?
One of the largest greenhouse gas emission culprits in NYC are the buildings. They account for 77% of emissions. As New York City is so densely populated, there is a very high consumption of energy for heating and electricity.
Say no to plastic! It’s estimated that New Yorkers used to use 23 billion plastic bags annually with 50% of them ending up as litter. Thankfully a recent plastic bag ban is hoped to make an impact.
Let’s take a look at the positive
Dining cabins made from plastic bottles
A New Yorker has made dining cabins out of plastic bottles which withstood a recent NYC hurricane. It also has a wider ranging use. Bottled water is the most common resource to be shipped to disaster-stricken areas. Using this prototype, these bottles could be used to make a temporary shelter.
Clean rubbish collection
New York City is getting electric garbage trucks which will cruise quietly through the New York Streets saying goodbye to huge fuel guzzling machines!
Powered by wind
The Empire State building is now 100% powered by wind energy. This is the equivalent to taking all New York City taxis off the street for one year!
Positive impacts with Earth Cubs
FREE APP!FREE APP! Play our app and teach your kids to love our amazing planet
TEACHING RESOURCES!TEACHING RESOURCES! Extensive curriculum-linked resources supporting teachers and schools to bring sustainability into the classroom. Find New York City in our app!
