The New York native is dedicated to creating a greener future through song.
Earth Month was a time of high demand for Hila Perry, a New York City native whose mission is to educate and inspire love for the planet through performance. If Perry is not running into the ocean at sunrise, she is likely to be found in the streets and parks of New York, dressed up as the Earth, singing songs about nature.
With climate change being a daunting subject, there are a lot of aspects which can be hard to understand. Perry lightens the topic with a comedic, and joyful approach, making sustainable living and education more accessible, possible, and fun.
“I think it’s really important to infuse fun and entertainment into activism. It’s very educational and I think information sticks really well with people when they are engaged and they’re having fun,”
A performer her whole life, Perry has channeled her talents into activism combining music, comedy, and education. “I think it’s really important to infuse fun and entertainment into activism. It’s very educational and I think information sticks really well with people when they are engaged and they’re having fun,” explains Perry. Perry’s performances definitely do not lack in the fun department, as she dances in her big, round costume, rapping lyrics like her favorite: “potassium, nitrogen, enzymes, vitamins. Spread your seeds I invite them in, giving you what you need time and time again.”
Her performances have brought positive impact and change into people’s lives “People have told me that my broccoli song has gotten their kids to eat broccoli and I love that,” she says. “People have told me that they bring a reusable cup with them when they go get coffee now because I’ve influenced them. They have even started composting. The feedback has been really beautiful and I’ve met so many incredible people through this work. We’re building a community, we’re having fun, and we’re learning.”
Perry grew up in Soho, New York– an environment that isn’t necessarily dense with nature. On her block, there wasn’t even a single tree. Performing in the city, she hopes to express the importance of soil, plants, and sun. “It’s really important to connect people with plants, animals, the sky, air and water. I think it’s an incredible social justice project to rewild the earth and connect people to their roots,” she says.
“I really love the Earth. I love the fact that I’m here. I love trees and clean air. I love swimming in lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s the most beautiful and wonderful thing that I can think of in the world,” says Perry.
Her journey to a more eco-conscious life began with walking. “Start examining the trees. Learn how to identify them and enjoy being outdoors. I think it is a really great place to start,” explains Perry. “Another way to be more sustainable is through composting. Composting is tangible and can happen in your home. Find out where the closest community composting site is in your neighborhood or if there are any pickup services. Composting is one of the greatest entry points into sustainability and environmentalism on a personal level.”
For Perry, the future is full of a lot more dirt and a lot more green. “For the world at large, I would love to see more eco-cities. I would love to see New York City become more green. I want to see everybody have access to clean water. I want to see everyone housed and living in green homes and feeling good,” says Perry. “I want a society where the daily motivation for people is caring for their community. I hope all over the globe we can come together and truly support each other as human beings on this planet.”
All images courtesy of Hila Perry. Earth Show.
