The symbiosis of New York State’s “clean green” assets and our client – New York State – have been clear from the start. On Earth Day New York State launched a major initiative that brings together the outstanding natural environment of the State with the tastes of contemporary tourists. New York City offers the best urban experience in the world. New York State offers – we propose – one of the best natural experiences in the world. Here is our client’s press release, abridged, from Earth Day.
April 22, 2010 3:28 pm Empire State Development unveiled a new “green heart” in its famous I LOVE NEW YORK logo as part of an initiative that includes promoting green-certified restaurants and hotels, as well as the State’s parks, beaches, waterways and mountains. I LOVE NEW YORK has chosen ten must-see iconic green travel destinations for 2010 that span the State’s 11 tourism regions. The destinations include national icons such as Niagara Falls State Park, the Catskills and the Adirondack’s high peaks, among others. Special itineraries around these destinations will be promoted on the newly re-launched I LOVE NEW YORK website at www.iloveny.com/greenheart and will be promoted as well in the State’s tourism collateral.
When a traveler chooses one of the ten iconic green destinations they will find itineraries that may include an eco-certified hotel to stay in, several green restaurants to choose from, activities and events that are green in nature, from hiking to snowshoeing to visiting a farm, winery or eco-certified spa. They will also be able to travel all summer at a “green” 20 percent discount on Amtrak or rent a hybrid car from Enterprise.
According to Carol Ash, Commissioner of New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Green Heart initiative is the first step in an ongoing effort to reward and promote environmental stewardship and New York State’s abundant natural assets.
“It is important for the State to celebrate those iconic locations that embody green travel,” said Ash. “From Niagara Falls to the Finger Lakes, Thousand Islands, Letchworth and Saratoga, New York’s greenest and greatest treasures draw tens of millions of visitors every year – not only because they’re affordable vacation destinations right in our own backyard, but because there’s nothing else like them in the world.”
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis stated that the job of protecting the environment is year-round and requires everyone’s participation.
”On Earth Day, we are gratified to see so many enthusiastic people working to protect New York’s environment,” said Grannis. “This Green Heart NY initiative helps raise awareness about the critical need to continue to work to protect New York’s water, air and natural resources for future generations to come.”
I LOVE NEW YORK, New York State’s tourism promotion agency, has named New York City resident Kaity Tsui (25) the winner of the first-ever “Greenest New Yorker” award. New York State along with EscapeMaker.com, introduced the contest to celebrate individuals who were doing their part in keeping the Empire State green and making earnest efforts to preserve the environment in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
Tsui’s winning accomplishments include serving as Tree Care Coordinator for MillionTreesNYC; co-chair of the New York University (NYU) Green Alumni Network Steering Committee; serving as Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Green City Challenge; and serving as a contributing writer for One Earth Network, Inc. Additionally, Tsui volunteers for organizations such as Green Drinks NYC, Just Food, New York Cares, the New York City Office of Recycling Outreach and Education, Trees New York and Teens Turning Green — all while completing her Master Composter and Citizen Pruner certificates.
Judges were chef Mario Batali, Josh Dorfman, author of “The Lazy Environmentalist on a Budget”; actor Peter Facinelli, star of The Twilight Saga movies and Showtime’s “Nurse Jackie” show; nationally renowned, eco-friendly and healthy home interior designer Robin Wilson; and architect Morris Adjmi, whose work includes the LEED gold High Line Building and a LEED platinum building for New York University.
“The winner of the Greenest New Yorker contest serves as an inspiration to all New Yorkers to do their part to protect New York State’s environmental resources,” said Governor David A. Paterson.
About New York State
New York State features 11 beautiful vacation regions. New York’s attractions span from landmarks such as Niagara Falls, to the wine trails of Hudson Valley and treasures like the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Whether it’s wide-ranging outdoor activities for the whole family like fishing, hiking and boating, culinary wonders and farm-to-table fresh foods, or the rich history and culture of one of the 13 original colonies, New York State offers diverse activities for all travelers. For more information visit http://www.iloveny.com/. Media can find press releases and more at thebeat.iloveny.com.
