Earth Day attendants dance to the beat of local band Mumbo Gumbo on Sunday. Ryan Anne Polli/State Hornet

‘One Earth, one love’

Earth Day preparing for 2000

Early Sunday morning before the campus rooster crowed, several Earth Day participants joined in 4 a.m. yoga, followed by 6 a.m. Tai Chi, where CSUS was home to the 1999 Earth Day festival. Held in the main quad, the Earth Day festival promoted participation for the huge Earth Day 30-year celebration to be held in 2000.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better spot on this campus, or for a better day,” said Paul Anthony, Earth Day planner.

Amidst the subtle smell of body odor, dozens of booths – ranging in subject from relaxation booths with certified massage therapists, to an anti-war on Iraq booth – encircled the music and dancing. Sacramento area pop vocalists Mumbo Gumbo performed several shows throughout the day, with songs featuring Earth Day-oriented lyrics such as “Hands around the world.”

“This event is geared towards sustainable and renewable types of energies,” said Anthony.

The electric vehicle booth displayed several electric cars. Four different automobiles sat at the entrance to the festival, including a Porsche 914, converted from gasoline to electricity. Countering the idea of motorized vehicles, a large makeshift bicycle compound next to the electric vehicles was crowded with the two-wheel transportation of many sun worshipers.

Behind the Planned Parenthood and Peace and Freedom Party booths, dancing masses of festival participants bounced to the flowery beat. Among the many grooving to the music was an older man wearing nothing more than sneakers and a pair of red boxer shorts bouncing to the music in a spinning motion.

Between the tie-dyed shirts and rainbow colors, hugs from friends and meditation happened all over the grass. Children played with caterpillars, and parents danced to the music.

Dubbed a “zero waste event,” safe disposal facilities for old batteries and donated cans built a labyrinth for children.

“We tried this year to bring in a diverse group of vendors,” said Anthony, remarking about the many food vendors such as Gordito Burrito and Yummy Choice Chinese food.

However, the event did provide some waste from the many food vendors. $3 snow cones served in plastic cups, and cold Chinese food on paper plates streamed into the mouths of the hungry participants.

“We are a small group of volunteers who couldn’t have asked for more; next year we would like to see more people,” said Anthony.

Celebrated on April 22 for several years, 38 cities across the United States are part of the Earth Day Network. Founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, Earth Day began in 1970 with over 20 million participants and has grown steadily ever since. The purpose of Earth Day is to enhance the communities’ focus on social, economic, environmental and spiritual well being through celebration, education, and calls to action. To get prepared for the undertaking of the 2000 Earth Day event, planners from the Sacramento Area Earth Day Network are promoting the “New Energy for a New Era” campaign.