Earth Hour actually began in 2007, but this year was the first time I had heard of it. It was an idea that started in Sydney, Australia and was adopted by many other cities in 2008. The global event was organized by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness for the need to take action on climate change. The event takes place on the last Saturday in the month of March and calls for all unnecessary lights and electronics in the home and business to be turned off for one hour (between 8:30 and 9:30 pm local time). Participating cities turned out the lights on even major world landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower! The United Nations Headquarters in New York City estimated that they would save $102 in that hour. Delhi, India's capital, had a phenomenal decrease in power demand during that hour, falling by 1000MW.
What did I do to help the cause? Sister had a bunch of us over for a candle light porch party. The television, computer, and all the lights were turned off and we just enjoyed the company of each other for over an hour in the dark outside on the porch, enjoying what was probably the warmest day of Spring so far.
So mark your calendars for next year, to celebrate a new kind of power hour.
Information on Earth Hour found on Wikipedia.
What did I do to help the cause? Sister had a bunch of us over for a candle light porch party. The television, computer, and all the lights were turned off and we just enjoyed the company of each other for over an hour in the dark outside on the porch, enjoying what was probably the warmest day of Spring so far.
So mark your calendars for next year, to celebrate a new kind of power hour.
Information on Earth Hour found on Wikipedia.
6 comments:
If we each do our part, we will most assuredly make an incredible difference! Go green!
Joe, that is something so enjoyable that you should do it often, "just because". Sounds so cozy, and easy to conjure up a mind-picture.
porch party was a great idea! Glad it was warm enough!
This is a great idea! I think it needs to happen once a month :)
Sounds like a lot of fun - and for a great cause!
I was unable to participate in Earth Hour because I was at work. Would have loved to see the Las Vegas strip with the lights out. I do my part day to day. Very careful keeping lights out, most appliances unplugged, candle light where possible (how fortunate that I make candles and much of it uses recycled wax.) The hour is a nice idea, I hope it inspired some people to go further.
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