Charting the ever-changing environment of New York City since 1992!
The global Green Map System was initiated in 1995 in response to the enthusiasm sparked by the first Green Apple Map of NYC, originally published in 1992 to showcase signs of progress toward sustainability. The NYC project is the sole local project led by Green Map System, and it benefits New Yorkers and the worldwide network by piloting new concepts and mapmaking resources.
Over the last 25 years, we have created several comprehensive citywide editions in print and online formats, as seen at GreenMapNYC.org. Our theme Green Map on energy - charting conservation, renewables and climate change, waste reduction for youth, composting in Manhattan, cooling off and the youth-authored LoMap of Lower Manhattan. Each of these maps was created to meet a different set of objectives, but all are designed to engage 8 million New Yorkers and thousands of visitors in Greening the Apple as they shop, dine, commute, learn, work and relax.
In 2020, while NYC was still on pause, we created a new set of Recovery Icons and worked to rethink our community's future, in collaboration with networks, near and far. We have already broadened our work, adding place making to our map making. We have also created cycling and walking tours, presentations, exhibits, workshops and education modules to involve more New Yorkers in building a brighter future together. Through the Green Map NYC project, we have worked with numerous partnering organizations, universities and agencies, and with local schools, youth, social clubs and community groups creating their own Green Maps since 1998. Several of the children’s projects have had real world impacts, and given the young mapmakers a meaningful voice in local sustainable development.
Our city is constantly changing, and we'd be glad to help you start a new NYC Green Map in your neighborhood. Or, help expand and update what we have started - reach out at apple @ greenmap.org