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OUTSIDE
Earth Day 2001

BY MIKE MILIARD

Now that George “Dirty Water” Bush has made clear that he won’t rest until he negates every last advance made toward a cleaner environment over the past decade, participation in the 31st annual Earth Day this Sunday, April 22, is that much more critical.

Earth Day began in 1970 as an earnest effort by grassroots organizations and concerned individuals to draw attention to ever-worsening environmental damage and to promote substantial change. Wisconsin senator Gaylord Nelson played a key role in Earth Day’s creation: inspired by the teach-ins of the antiwar movement, he looked to apply the same techniques to the cause of environmentalism. In a 1969 speech, he announced that a nationwide event would take place in the spring of 1970. So it did. Thanks to the tireless work of organizers and an intensive media blitz, the first Earth Day saw more than 20 million people participate in seminars, clean-ups, and informational events. And they had fun. In the past 30 years, Earth Day has raised consciousness and helped stem environmental damage. But obviously, there is much more to be done.

According to Jeremy Marin, communications director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts, “Earth Day is an annual opportunity for us to re-establish the importance of clean air, clean water, and open space in Massachusetts and around the world.” He stresses the importance of getting outside and getting involved: “Whether it’s out in the woods or kayaking down a river or spending [the day] with hundreds of other like-minded people,” Earth Day provides myriad opportunities to learn about protecting the environment.

In the days leading up to and following Earth Day, there’s no dearth of activity in the Bay State this year. Here’s a quick sampling.

In Boston, the second annual Charles River Earth Day Clean-Up will attempt to disprove the lyrics to the Standells’ immortal ’60s frat-rock hit “Dirty Water” on Saturday, April 21. This year, organizers expect 1200 volunteers to clean up all 80 miles of the river. Be there at 9 a.m. along both banks, from Bellingham to Boston. Cleaning up the Hub’s majestic river should be reward enough, but free lunch and T-shirts will also be handed out at Herter Park in Allston from noon until 2 p.m. Email losttiger@hotmail.com for more information.

Further afield on the same day, the third annual South Coast Earth Day Clean-Up will remove debris from beaches and towns to the south — just in time for summer swimming. Call the Massachusetts Community Water Watch at (508) 999-8169 or write lauraweit@hotmail.com.

A week later, on Sunday, April 29, the fun continues with the 19th Run of the Charles Canoe & Kayak Race. Organizers expect 1500 participants, who will glide down that newly spruced-up river to benefit the Charles River Watershed Association. Entry costs $30 to $40 per person. Call (508) 698-6810 or (800) 969-RACE, or write crwa.rotc@verizon.net. Participants can also register online at www.crwa.org through www.active.com.

Finally, for those who want to save the earth but also wanna rock, the eighth annual WBOS EarthFest will pack the Esplanade on Saturday, April 28. From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the Hatch Shell will host a bill featuring Blues Traveler, the Cowboy Junkies, Double Trouble, and Joan Osborne. In conjunction with the concert, and as an added incentive not to plow that gas-guzzlin’ SUV into an interminable Hub traffic jam (and as a welcome relief to many wallets), the MBTA has announced that all subway, bus, and RIDE services will be gratis between 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. on April 28. President Bush may not care about toxic emissions, but at least the T does, if only for a day.

Visit www.earthday.net for a more comprehensive list of Earth Day goings-on.

Issue Date: April 19 - 26, 2001