Buffalo Celebrates Earth Day
Eric Ortner
North Buffalo RocketEarth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2000: Even though Mother Nature did not bless Earth Day 2000 with blue skies, this year's festivities were a success.
The Police Underwater Recovery Unit and the Fire Department were on hand to aid in the Scajaquada Creek Clean Up. They were busy clearing debris from the creek's dam. Photo by Eric OrtnerA strong showing of about 150 people attended the Earth Day Vigil in Niagara Square on Friday, April 21. The crowd shivered in the chilly temperatures as speakers shared their experiences, hopes and dreams with the group of concerned environmentalists.
On Saturday morning, some of the same environmentalists could be seen at the Scajaquada Creek cleanup. According to Jim Pavel, the cleanup's organizer, 110 people signed in to aid the effort. This was an impressive show of support for a clean planet, despite the unrelenting drizzle.
This is by no means the first time that Scajaquada Creek has received an Earth Day cleanup. The Parkside Greens have been concerned about the stream for a long time. One member of the group, Angie Keil, commented, "We have been cleaning the creek for over ten years." She said, "we are a group of neighbors that wanted to do something about cleaning the environment right where we are, and Scajaquada is one of the most significant environmental elements right in our neighborhood. Our biggest concern is the water quality of the stream." Ms. Keil concluded, "This year Jim Pavel was able to bring the creek to more people's attention."
The volunteers were busy picking up litter carelessly tossed aside by inconsiderate people. The standard unsightly cigarette butts, beer cans, plastic shopping bags, fast food restaurant containers and candy bar wrappers were scattered throughout the area. However, a few big ticket items were also dredged from the creek. They included tires, numerous shopping carts, a television set, a reclining armchair, a coffee table, along with assorted other furniture. In addition, several bicycles, and a moped were recovered along with various car parts, such as mufflers.
After the volunteers' backs were too sore to pick up another piece of trash, they had the opportunity to go over to Buffalo State College and take part in the Earth Day festivities there.
The Earth Day 2000 event was well organized. Due to the rainy weather, the festivities were held inside Buffalo State's student union. There are some critics who have said that Western New York's Environmental Movement is incohesive and segmented, rendering it ineffective. The Earth Day 2000 event proved those critics wrong. Visitors had the opportunity to mingle with the 68 organizations that were represented at Earth Day 2000.
Each organization had a table. The groups all distributed information on the different programs that they are undertaking to ensure that the Earth remains a habitable place for the human race.
It proved to be an excellent opportunity for networking, as a few old friendships were rekindled. Moreover, new connections were forged between the different entities.
The people that were involved in Earth Day 2000 left with a renewed sense of hope and a feeling of solidarity knowing that they weren't the only ones who cared about the Earth's future.
