Cities Go Green for New Year’s Eve

As people around the world prepare to ring in the New Year with bubbly, resolutions and hymns of Auld Lang Syne, some cities around the world are putting the finishing “green” touches on what they hope to be an eco-friendly celebration.

Down Under Goes Green

Sydney usually finds itself in the spotlight on New Year’s Eve, as it’s one of the first major cities to ring in the new year (not to mention, it hosts an incredible display of fireworks). For the first time, Sydney plans to host the first carbon neutral celebration, making their contribution to climate change zero. Here’s how they will do it:

• The City Council will order an audit of all New Year’s activities and offset the emissions by purchasing environmentally friendly power and carbon credits.
• 80 percent of all waste from the event will be recycled.
• The City of Sydney and Planet Ark have teamed up to help make New Year’s Eve participants “Zero Wasters.” They have also provided a website for locals to collect tips for a greener new year.
• Recycled water collected from rainwater tanks and collection pits will be used to clean the streets.
• The City is encouraging all event goers to take public transportation, walk or cycle to the celebration.

The Big “Green” Apple

The famous “ball dropping” in Times Square has become an iconic event for New Year’s Eve. This year, that famous ball is getting a green makeover. The greening includes:

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  The ball drop in NYC will be greener this year due to bike power from partygoers.

  LED lights will illuminate the ball this year (32,236 bulbs to be exact), consuming a fraction of the power that would be required of incandescent or halogen lights.

• Though doubled in size this year at 12-feet in diameter, the ball will be 20 percent more efficient while still providing a bright and green experience.
• Pedal power will light the 2009 sign as the ball completes its descent. Duracell has set up a “power lodge” in Times Square where visitors can pedal stationary bikes connected to massive batteries. Roughly 230 hours of pedaling will provide the energy needed to light the sign during the live telecast.

Many other cities are going green for New Year’s eve as well by offering free public transporation to event goers, recycling bins for event waste and environmentally-conscious performances. You can check out Austin’s “Theatre Action Project” performance, which will highlight environmental concerns. Or ride the “L” in Chicago, the trolley in San Diego or the metro in Los Angeles, all for free. And don’t forget to make those green New Year’s resolutions!