We found that our original 1992 Green Apple Map projects gave users a unique sustainable perspective and provided a view unlike any other map of this city. While initiating the global Green Map project became the priority, mapmaking in NYC took a break. There was a five-year gap between editions, although our site data collection kept growing.
The third citywide edition of the Green Apple Map was our first to use the newly minted global Green Map Icons (Copenhagen's 1996 edition was the first published using them). We partnered with Metropolis Magazine for this edition because we admired their approach to sustainability (http://www.metropolismag.com/cda/sustainable.php) and they would help us reach an important demographic - the designers and decision-makers following urban issues.
We did all the research and site collection, and Metropolis staff took care of the most the design and fundraising, and helped with the editing and outreach. 65,000 free copies were printed in March 1997, roughly two-thirds went to Metropolis' regional subscribers, and the rest were distibuted through Greenmarkets, events, green shops, gardens, etc.
A year later, the demand for the map kept growing, and the map was revised (over 100 changes) and reprinted by Metropolis. We did more of the distribution this time. It had a rather clumsy numbering system that matched our first online interactive Green Apple Map (it debuted in spring 1998 and lasted about 5 years before its underlying technology became obsolete). Around this time, we also added travelogues and began working with local schools and groups on their own Green Maps, and began the process of developing educator resources. By the turn of the century, the global Green Map network had reached 100 projects, and 36 unique Green Maps were published!
In 2000, we created an all new edition of the Green Apple Map, with printing supported by Earth Day New York, who distributed 65,000 of the 100,000 copies! Although we did not work with Metropolis magazine, Will van Roden, their former art director, designed this edition, too. There were so many new sites in town that the map was quite crowded - we decided the next Green Apple Map would be our first thematic edition (the result was the energy themed Powerful Green Map), and to experiment with a 'close up' view of a part of the city (the result was 2001's LoMap). Still, there was a wonderful response to our 2000 edition, and many requests for copies, long after we had run out.
Download the PDF and view onscreen. Or print out GreenAppleMap.org's version, and tape the sections together.
These maps were included in several exhibits and presentations internationally. We loved seeing an entire auditorium full of people open copies at once when NYC's Dept. of Environmental Protection Commissioner spoke about the project!
Green Map System was placed on the United Nations Global 100 Best Practices List, and received the US National Award for Sustainability, and recognition from EXPO 2000 and The Stockholm Challenge during this period (more on Awards is in the About section here).
In Business, Whole Earth, Paper Sky, Lapan (Japanese), New York Newsday, and many other publications covered this story. Some of the articles are linked to the News section of this website.
Virtually every Green Map project received copies of these maps between 1997 and 2003. We hope they helped guide the process and streamlined design choices being made locally.
While we charted many new sites with each subsequent edition, in some ways, NYC 'backslid' during this period, from a sustainability perspective. Now, the City is aware of the benefits of becoming the Big Green Apple, and more progress can be seen citywide. With the announcement of the City's 2030 PlaNYC in spring 2007, it's been getting really exciting!
Our annual Green Apple Cycling tours began during this period. These rides include short talks along the way, and often include discussions and followups, all contributing to the wellbeing of our community.
We also created travelogues (see http://greenapplemap.org/page/tour), so people could replicate our rides when they pleased.
Our 1999 exhibit in Detroit USA was our first big exhibit, this one was timed to coincide with our receiving the US National Award for Sustainability from the President's Council on Sustainable Development.
We share our lessons learned with Green Mapmakers around the world as a regular part of our work.
Around this time, the Youth Resource Disk was created, based in part on our woth with NYC schools. This disk was instrumental in helping our movement connect with children, in school and out, around the world (check the Participate section of this website to find out more).
New York City is changing very quickly, and we'd love to have a robust interactive map that the public can contribute to, with updates, new sites, images and ratings - volunteers and supporters, please contact us!
Interviews, images and copies of the maps
Thanks to New York City Environmental Fund, Greenacre Foundation, Earth Day New York, Metropolis Magazine (Susan Szenasy, Horace Havermeyer, Kira Gould, Will van Roden), Architects, Designers & Planners for Social Responsibility, Interface, NYC Department of City Planning, and many others.
These maps are designed with an overlap, so 2 copies can be taped together to form a good sized wall poster.
"Green Light District: One bad apple may spoil the lot, but one green apple can start a trend." --Metropolis Magazine, April 1998
