Watch CBS News

Thousands Take Part In Local Earth Day Celebrations

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Thousands celebrated Sacramento's 7th Annual Earth Day at the State Capitol Sunday.

Every April, the Environmental Council of Sacramento celebrates Earth Day. This year organizers expected more than 6,000 people to enjoy the entertainment, food and the activities to learn about how to keep the earth clean.

Last week's events in Boston have everyone more concerned with safety in large crowds, including in Sacramento.

"If you can take any step forward to improve your carbon footprint such as riding your bike, I think it's great," said Tiffany Pokk.

Whether it's riding your bike, conserving water or re-usable grocery bags, festivities at Southside Park were more than just lip service.

"We wanted to make sure it wasn't just about learning today. We wanted people to come out today with a sense they could do something," event organizer Corin Choppin said.

It's a sensitive time with last week's events in Boston, but there were still more than 150 vendors and more interest from the public than ever before.

"I think it gives you something more positive to focus on instead of what's been going on in Boston and the negativity associated with it," said Claire Scott.

Event organizers were paying attention to security measures, but nothing extreme was prepared for Sunday's event.

"We felt like we had an adequate amount of security for an event this size that's required by the city. We think it should do us well. We feel safe," said Choppin.

And it was a safe family event.

"We don't see where our garbage goes. We don't know what happens to everything we do. We need to see our impact on the world," attendee Eric Erlichman said.

The event encouraged everyone to pay attention and gave helpful tips for parents to teach their children about living green too.

"If we are careful with what we buy and what we throw away, and we don't use plastic bags. They'll pick up those little cues," said Erlichman.

Thousands of people also came out to Victory Park in Stockton to learn about taking care of natural resources.

This year's theme was "25 years of living green in San Joaquin."

Although celebrations were held Sunday, Monday marks the official Earth Day.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.