Preciously, the Planet: A Climate Week Opening Gathering | Plastic & Clothing Upcycling Workshop
Join us on Governors Island for a day of making, mindful reflection, and circular design with Climate Cafe NYC, the Climate Imaginarium, Precious Plastic NYC, and artist Juliana Castaneda. We will slow down, explore creative solutions to waste, and nurture a shared care for our bodies and our planet.
We’ll begin the morning with a climate emotions discussion and meditation—early birds will also receive special goodies from Climate Imaginarium and Precious Plastic NYC, while supplies last, so come early!
⏰ Programming
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning Awakening & Body Movement
Led by multidisciplinary artist Hsiao-Chu Hsia, this experiential movement session explores emotional release through somatic expression and our connection to the environment.
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Plastic Reclamation Demos
Precious Plastics NYC is a community-based initiative addressing the global plastic waste problem through education, neighborhood collection, and small-scale, closed-loop manufacturing. They transform discarded plastic from local streets, businesses, schools, and cleanups into usable materials for art, design, and everyday objects.
Drop in anytime to explore the plastic reclamation process through their interactive stations. Discover how caring for the materials around us can become a practice of caring for ourselves and our planet, as everyday plastic waste is transformed into new and precious objects through hands-on activities, live demos, and limited reclaimed pieces available through giveaways.
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Guided Zen Meditation
Led by Won Il Sunim, Buddhist monk from Kwan Um School of Zen, this guided meditation session offers a brief introduction to Zen philosophy and mantra, followed by a period of meditation and reflection.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Clothing Upcycling Workshop
Juliana Castaneda is an artist and fashion designer based in Brooklyn, NY. They create vibrant, sustainability focused textile work, including mutli-media tapestries and upcycled clothing. In their upcycling practice, they paint and mend second-hand items to give them a new life.
During this workshop, they will share several of their fabric painting and mending techniques for attendees to use throughout the workshop. Attendees will have time to create unique designs and repair tears on clothing items they bring in, walking away with revamped pieces. Attendees must bring their own clothing items to upcycle. All other upcycling materials will be provided.
🌍 About the Climate Imaginarium
The Climate Imaginarium is a center for climate, community, and culture in New York City. Located on Governors Island, the Climate Imaginarium is activating a cultural destination at the heart of New York City’s burgeoning green economy, where artists, scientists, advocates, and storytellers come together to reimagine and build toward a more resilient future.
Suggested donation is $10 to support our community space at the Climate Imaginarium, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds.
⛵ Getting to the Climate Imaginarium
For the weekend ferry schedule to Governors Island, please check here. Ferries run every 15 minutes. Take the ferry that’s most convenient for you from either Lower Manhattan (10 South Street), Brooklyn Bridge Park (Pier 6), or Red Hook/Atlantic Basin. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your ferry departure time with your ticket ready to display.
Ferry tickets must be purchased at the ferry terminal or online. Fares are $5 for a round trip ticket and free for adults over 65, children 12 and under, Climate Imaginarium summer volunteers, and others. All passengers ride free before 11am on weekends. Cars are not permitted.
Governors Island is also accessible from any route via NYC Ferry by transferring at Wall Street/Pier 11. You can find the NYC Ferry schedule here. Tickets on NYC Ferry are $4.50 each way.
Once you get to Governors Island, you will either get out at Soissons Landing (from Manhattan) or Yankee Pier (from Brooklyn). You can use this map of Governors Island to locate Colonels Row. The Climate Imaginarium is in Building 406A, in the middle of Colonels Row, and will have a visible sign outside the doorway. Our address is 406A Comfort Road.