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! ​Free seaweed-based functional drinks will be provided by OoMee! ⏰ 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.