Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BROCKTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Fifty-five years ago, Sen. Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin called on college students across America to implement the same vigor and passion they demonstrated toward the Vietnam War to oppose environmental degradation and fight for environmental causes. On April 22, 1970, 20 million people answered the call by attending thousands of inaugural events across the U.S. for what is now known as Earth Day.
The success of Earth Day prompted Washington, D.C., to authorize the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency to tackle environmental issues the same year.
Tuesday, Bostonians celebrated Earth Day in a variety of ways.
"Helping to do some clean up around the city of Brockton — trying to make the place look clean again," said one resident in Plymouth County.
But according to Mary Waldron of the Old Colony Planning Council, Earth Day isn't just about picking up trash or recycling for one day
"This is an ongoing practice. So, Earth Day is so important. It's our mother earth and we need to keep her in a good, clean spot."
For people like Mary, every day is Earth Day.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.