planet Archives - Good News!

New York City Comptroller, Mark D. Levine, joins the 24th Annual Earth & Water Day Concert in Times Square on April 22, 2026

Austin Tang — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:29:09 +0000

This week we celebrated Earth Day, an annual reminder that protecting our planet is not just an environmental challenge, it is fundamental to the future of our city. Everything we do will be impacted by the rising costs of extreme weather and our response to it.

This week my office released a series of reports, each designed to help us strengthen the physical systems and infrastructure that keep our city green – like trees.

Listen to “New York City Comptroller Mark Levine” on Spreaker.On Tuesday, the Parks Department announced a laudable goal to increase natural street and parks coverings to 30% of the City by 2040. But while tree planting has been funded through capital budget initiatives, maintenance and upkeep is an operational cost that has not kept pace. Compounding the issue is the lack of a dedicated funding stream specifically for tree maintenance.

In a new report, New York City’s Living Infrastructure, my office outlined ways for the City to realize its plan to expand tree canopies in the five boroughs, including generating more revenue from Parks Department concessions to fund their care.

We also have opportunities to improve our organics waste management, particularly in schools. The Zero Waste Schools Program was launched in 2016 with the goal of diverting all recyclable and compostable waste that our schools produce. What started as a pilot of 100 schools has grown to include all schools, which are now all required to separate compostable waste from regular garbage.

But while every school participates, a new review by my office has found that only about one-third of waste is currently collected and diverted from landfills.

Additionally, our analysis found that 28% of compost bins were contaminated — meaning they included materials unsuitable for composting, such as paper and plastics — far exceeding the City’s overall organics contamination rate of 4%.

Providing nearly a million meals to New York City public school students every day is a massive and often underappreciated undertaking by city government. The scale of that effort makes it even more important to get food waste right. With a more centralized approach to data collection, program assessment, and communication, we can cut emissions, strengthen sustainability efforts in our schools, and save money in the school food budget.

Above all else, if we’re serious about managing the clear and present threat of the climate crisis, we need clear metrics to inform the work ahead.

Our Office’s Climate Dashboard was updated this week with the latest tracking of the City’s progress towards reaching NetZero, electric vehicle adoption, green job creation, building emissions, and other risk factors.

As Comptroller, I will continue to advance a disciplined, data driven approach to climate risk and opportunities, one that protects the pensions systems, strengthens infrastructure, and ensures New York City remains resilient and competitive for generations to come.Sincerely,

Mark D. Levine
New York City Comptroller

#MarkLevine #DrJaneGoodall

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Earth & Water Day 2026: Times Square Becomes a Stage for the Planet

Austin Tang — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:29:47 +0000

On April 22, the beating heart of Times Square transforms into something far greater than a crossroads of the world—it becomes a living, breathing celebration of the Earth itself. Earth & Water Day 2026 is not just an event; it’s a movement, a call to consciousness wrapped in music, unity, and purpose.

At the center of it all stands visionary producer Paul Sladkus, whose decades-long dedication to peace, sustainability, and global connection once again brings this powerful gathering to life. Through his leadership and the ongoing mission of Good News Corporation, Times Square is reimagined—not as a place of commerce, but as a sanctuary of awareness, creativity, and hope.

From 2 PM to 7 PM, the energy will surge through the streets as artists, activists, and visionaries take the stage in a free concert and exhibition designed to inspire action and reflection. This is not passive entertainment—it’s an immersive experience where music becomes a message and performance becomes purpose. The event honors environmental pioneers, future generations, and the urgent need to protect our planet’s most vital resources.

What makes Earth & Water Day so striking is its ability to blend spectacle with sincerity. Beneath the towering screens and electric chaos of Times Square, there is a rare stillness—a collective understanding that something meaningful is unfolding. Voices rise not just in song, but in solidarity, echoing themes of clean energy, peace, and responsibility to the Earth.

Sladkus has long believed in the power of unity through media and music, and this event stands as one of his most profound expressions of that vision. Year after year, he gathers diverse talents and global voices, creating a platform where awareness meets artistry and where inspiration becomes action.

In a world often overwhelmed by noise, Earth & Water Day cuts through with clarity. It reminds us that celebration and responsibility can coexist—and that even in the center of one of the busiest places on Earth, there is still space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters.

https://entertainmentindustryreporter.com/earth-water-day-2026-times-square-becomes-a-stage-for-the-planet/

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Planet Heart Presents the 18th Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration

Austin Tang — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 16:29:27 +0000

A Global Virtual Gathering Honoring Mother Earth Through Unity, Music, and Peace

New York, NY — April 22, 2026 — Planet Heart, in collaboration with We, The World, is proud to present the 18th Annual World Peace Earth Day Celebration, taking place on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 PM ET.

This inspiring global event will be held virtually in Room ONE following the Unity Earth Weekly Call and streamed live across Facebook and other platforms, bringing together a diverse community of thought leaders, spiritual teachers, musicians, and changemakers from around the world.

Founded by peace ambassador Andrew Kaen, Planet Heart has been producing World Peace Earth Day celebrations since 2007, creating a sacred space each year to honor Mother Earth and foster unity across cultures, traditions, and communities.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Planet, Healing Our Heart,” invites participants into a powerful shared experience of connection, reflection, and collective intention for a more peaceful and harmonious world.

The evening will feature:

Inspirational talks from global leaders and visionaries
Live music performances and artistic expression
Prayers and blessings for world peace
A worldwide interactive gathering dedicated to healing the Earth and all beings

Featured participants include:

Ben Bowler, Mitchell Rabin, Rick Ulfik, Jonathan Granoff, Chief Phil Lane Jr., Grandmother Shirley Barclay, Patricia Ann Davis, Kristin Hoffmann, Fumi Stewart, Dot Maver, David Young, Dana Tomasino, and Andrew Kaen.

“Earth Day is a sacred opportunity to come together as one human family,” says Kaen. “Through shared intention, music, and prayer, we can elevate consciousness and contribute to a more peaceful and unified planet.”

The event is free and open to all. Participants are encouraged to invite friends and communities worldwide to join this collective celebration.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Time: 7:00–9:00 PM ET

Location: Virtual (Zoom + Livestream)

Zoom Link: zoom.us/j/6060001111

Website: www.PlanetHeart.org

Contact: EarthDay@WeTheWorld.Org

About Planet Heart

Planet Heart is a global peace and unity initiative dedicated to fostering oneness, environmental stewardship, and collective awakening. Since its founding, Planet Heart has brought together thousands of individuals worldwide through events, media, and collaborations centered around the message: One Planet, One Race, One Heart – We Are All One.

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Decoding Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet

Austin Tang — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:29:24 +0000

Earth Day: The Official Site | EARTHDAY.ORG

EARTHDAY.ORG keeps you plugged into the pulse of the world’s largest environmental movement. With opportunities to join cleanups or take direct action through advocacy, we are the link between you and Earth Day, every day.

Another way you can keep abreast of the issues you care about is with EARTHDAY.ORG articles. We deliver them to your inbox, but did you know that we’re also on Substack, LinkedIn, and Flipboard?

Make sure you never miss a story by following us on these platforms.

Decoding Earth Day 2026: Our Power, Our Planet

Earth Day 2026 highlights how community action worldwide supports environmental protections that reduce costs, manage shared risks, and strengthen public health, infrastructure reliability, and economic stability across regions and borders.

Why Imperfect Climate Action Is Better Than Perfect Inaction

Eco-perfectionism fuels guilt and burnout. Imperfect, collective action creates real environmental progress.

Colorful Ghosts Haunt Our Wetlands

This World Wetlands Day, discover the algal ghosts sucking oxygen from our wetlands and poisoning ecosystems from Lake Erie to the Hartbeespoort Dam.

7 Ways to Ship Greener

To celebrate Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, here are seven greener replacements, their pros and cons, plus current swapping progress and alternatives in development.

Support EARTHDAY.ORG

Since 1970, we’ve been mobilizing over 1 billion people annually on Earth Day, and every day, to protect the planet.

Make a direct and positive impact on the environment today by donating to help fight climate change, plastic pollution, deforestation, and the scourge of fast fashion.

EARTHDAY.ORG
· 1752 N St NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036, United States

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Earth & More Day: The Heartbeat of a Planet United

Austin Tang — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:29:48 +0000

March 23, 2026 by Jodi Marxbury

Cover Story, News, Television

On April 22, the crossroads of the world transforms into something far more meaningful than a destination—it becomes a message. Under the vision and passion of Paul Sladkus, Earth & More Day rises in Times Square as a powerful reminder that the planet’s future is not just discussed, but felt.

This is not just another Earth Day gathering. It is a living expression of unity, where music, art, and activism come together in one of the most iconic places on Earth. The energy of Times Square shifts from spectacle to substance, as voices from every corner of the globe echo with purpose.

Artists take the stage not just to perform, but to inspire. Speakers share not just words, but urgency. And the crowd—diverse, vibrant, and engaged—becomes part of something larger than themselves. In that moment, the noise of the city becomes a chorus for change.

Paul Sladkus has created more than an event—he has created a movement. Earth & More Day stands as proof that awareness can be elevated through creativity, and that even in a world filled with distraction, there is still space for meaning.

In the shadow of towering billboards and flashing lights, something real happens. People listen. People feel. People connect.

And for a few powerful hours, Times Square is no longer just the center of the world—it is the conscience of it.

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Here is our conversation with Lessa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. Green Heart STEM Challenge Launches 2026 Program, Engaging Nearly 5,000 Students in Community-Driven Climate Solutions

Austin Tang — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:29:31 +0000

isten to “Here is our conversation with Lessa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. Green Heart STEM Challenge Launches…” on Spreaker.

ATLANTA, GA — The Captain Planet Foundation recently announced the launch of the 2026 Green Heart STEM Challenge, welcoming its largest cohort to date with nearly 5,000 students, 132 educators, and 71 schools across 11 states participating.

The Green Heart STEM Challenge is delivered through a hybrid model, with in-person programming in metro Atlanta, Houston, and Miami, alongside virtual participation that enables schools in additional states to engage fully. This structure supports deep, place-based learning in core communities while expanding national access.

Designed for students in grades 6–9, the Challenge blends STEM learning with real-world problem solving, guiding students to identify environmental challenges in their communities and develop practical, implementable solutions. It follows a rotating, four-year cycle focused on EARTH, WIND, FIRE, and WATER, ensuring students explore a broad range of environmental systems and solutions over time.

The 2026 Challenge features EARTH, with students exploring issues such as soil health, tree canopy, composting, and food waste. Educators onboard students to the Challenge platform, where teams form, research, and begin building solutions rooted in local needs.

“What sets this Challenge apart is that students are mentored and funded to implement their winning ideas,!” said Leesa Carter-Jones, President and CEO of Captain Planet Foundation. “They’re not just learning about environmental challenges, they’re designing solutions and being held accountable for real outcomes.”

Since its launch, the Challenge has shown growing, measurable impact. In recent cycles, hundreds of student teams have progressed from ideas to formal project plans, with an increasing percentage advancing to implementation. Past winners have secured additional funding, expanded beyond their schools, and built long-term community partnerships, including teams in Atlanta and Houston continuing work well beyond the Challenge timeline. Across cohorts, student-led projects have tackled composting and food waste, erosion control and reforestation, water quality, repair-and-reuse systems, and circularity efforts reducing fast fashion and single-use waste.

The Challenge is supported by Accenture, Amazon, Delta Air Lines, Georgia Natural Gas, Green Mountain Energy, and Susan J. Klein, among others. Accenture employees also serve as volunteer mentors and project managers, helping student teams refine ideas, develop budgets, and prepare for implementation through the Challenge’s Idea Incubator.

Entering its fourth year, the Green Heart STEM Challenge continues to show what’s possible when students are trusted with real responsibility, and supported to turn ideas into action.

About Captain Planet Foundation
Captain Planet Foundation is an award-winning U.S.-based nonprofit that empowers young people to be problem-solvers for the planet. Over the past 35 years, more than 1.7 million children have directly participated in CPF programs, supporting more than 3,700 projects and impacting 11.4 million young people worldwide. Founded in 1991 by Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle, CPF advances environmental education through programs including Project Learning Garden, Planeteer Alliance, and the Green Heart STEM Challenge. Learn more at www.captainplanetfoundation.org.

2024 GHSC Water Winner, Maximo Luciani, live stake planting a stream bank

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HARD WORK! FOOD RECOVERY OVER 15,000 POUNDS

Austin Tang — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:37:23 +0000

Listen to “HARD WORK! FOOD RECOVERY OVER 15,000 POUNDS” on Spreaker.

Food Recovery Network. Fighting Waste. Feeding People.

#FoodRecoveryNetwork

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WILD REPUBLIC Shares Very Special Environmental Friendly Animals at Toy Fair – 👏 WOW

Austin Tang — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:25:13 +0000

Listen to “WILD REPUBLIC Shares Very Special Environmental Friendly Animals at Toy Fair – WOW” on Spreaker.

Good News Speaks to the leading manufacturer for Sustainable, GIFTS OF THE WILD.

Where Our Story Begins

In 1979 Wild Republic began with a simple mission: to inspire children’s love for nature through playful, educational, and wildlife-themed toys.

Learn By Heart

Our products spark curiosity and support learning through hands-on play, sensory exploration, and imaginative storytelling.

Sustainability & Conservation

We are dedicated to inspiring play that protects the planet

Our Product

Wild Republic products are crafted with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly fabrics, biodegradable materials, and textiles made from renewable natural resources to create toys that are both fun and environmentally responsible.

Our Company

For over 45 years Wild Republic has been Inspiring a Love for Nature Through Imaginative Play and a Commitment to a Better World.

Our Impact

Wild Republic is always striving to do what is best for the Earth, partnering with organizations that share its commitment to sustainability, conservation, and protecting wildlife for future generations.

Giving Back

Giving back isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are at Wild Republic.

Giving to the People

Empowering communities through education, support, and a passion for nature—Wild Republic gives back where it matters most.

Giving to the Environment

Wild Republic proudly gives back to organizations dedicated to environmental preservation and sustainability.

#WildRepublic

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The impact of climate change on the economy

Austin Tang — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:29:51 +0000

Listen to “The impact of climate change on the economy” on Spreaker.

Climate change is no longer just about the environment; it is costing us money. As the planet warms, extreme weather events like storms, floods, droughts, and wildfires are becoming more common and destructive. These disasters damage homes, roads, and businesses, leading to huge repair bills. Insurance costs are rising as well. With more claims after climate related disasters, insurers increase premiums, making it more expensive for families and businesses to stay protected. Climate change disrupts trade. In 2022, severe drought in Europe made major rivers too shallow for cargo ships, delaying deliveries of fuel and other goods and slowing economic activity across several countries. Moving to renewable energy such as wind, solar, and hydro can create jobs, attract investment, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Choosing clean energy is not only good for the planet but also a smart economic strategy.

#ClimateChange

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Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts, the Power of Good News, and a Planet Worth Protecting.”

Austin Tang — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 20:41:00 +0000

Listen to “Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts, the Power of Good News, and a Planet Worth Protecting.”” on Spreaker.

Sean Mendelson Shares the Legacy of “Peanuts” and a Message of Global Harmony on “Good News Broadcast” with Reverend Paul Sladkus

(New York, NY – November 2025) — The spirit of timeless storytelling and global unity came together when Sean Mendelson, musician, voice actor, and son of the legendary Peanuts producer Lee Mendelson, appeared on “Good News Broadcast” with Reverend Paul Sladkus, founder of Good News Corporation and creator of International Peace Day in Times Square. The inspiring conversation celebrated 75 years of Charles M. Schulz’s “Peanuts”, a comic strip that has shaped generations with its humor, heart, and emotional intelligence — and explored how art, music, and media can inspire positive change in the world today.

During the segment, Sean reflected on the enduring power of Peanuts, a cultural touchstone produced by his father, Lee Mendelson, who brought the beloved characters to television alongside composer Vince Guaraldi, whose jazz compositions defined the sound of childhood for millions. Sean, who as a child voiced several Peanuts characters in the original series, continues to carry the torch alongside his brother Jason Mendelson, overseeing Lee Mendelson Film Productions and reissuing rare soundtracks that preserve the franchise’s emotional and historical legacy.

Reverend Paul Sladkus — a pioneer of uplifting media — founded Good News Corporation and has dedicated over 25 years to promoting kindness, peace, and environmental responsibility through his annual International Peace Day Celebration in Times Square every September 21. This world-recognized event gathers artists, humanitarians, and activists to advocate for unity, love, and global understanding.

In a fitting extension of that mission, after the interview Reverend Sladkus and Sean Mendelson discussed their upcoming participation in Earth Day Times Square on April 22, an event dedicated to raising awareness about climate change, sustainability, and the importance of protecting the planet. Sean and Jason Mendelson have been invited to join the festivities, representing the Peanuts legacy — which has long championed empathy, environmental appreciation, and the simple beauty of human connection.

“I appreciate your Good News Broadcast”, Sean said to Reverend Sladkus. “The thing is we all need community and lightness now. And that’s what I love about this project and going out to record store and Barnes & Noble honoring the 75th anniversary of Peanuts and it’s fun and exciting, and when you can come together with your community of music lovers and talk about something that brings you light, it counteracts all the darkness of the world. It’s as simple as that.”

As the Peanuts franchise celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Mendelson family continues to share its enduring message: that laughter, love, and compassion can make the world a better place. Through programs like Good News Broadcast, International Peace Day, and Earth Day Times Square, both Sean Mendelson and Reverend Paul Sladkus carry forward the legacy of storytelling and service that uplifts humanity.

About Good News Corporation:

Founded by Reverend Paul Sladkus, Good News Corporation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting positive stories that inspire global unity and environmental consciousness. For over two decades, it has produced International Peace Day Times Square, celebrating harmony and collaboration through art, music, and dialogue.

About Sean Mendelson:

Sean Mendelson is a musician, voice actor, and producer continuing the legacy of his father, Peanuts executive producer Lee Mendelson. Through Lee Mendelson Film Productions, Sean and his brother Jason work to preserve and expand the musical and cultural heritage of Peanuts — one of the most cherished and emotionally resonant creations in American history.

Watch Sean Mendelson on the Good News Broadcast here:

https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/

https://goodnewsplanet.com/

https://www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast

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