Last year, on March 10, 2007, 2.2 million people in Sydney, Australia turned their lights off for one hour with the goal of reducing carbon emissions in the city by 5%. The efforts of dedicated Sydneysiders made a huge impact and caused a 10.2% reduction in energy usage during that single hour.
Last year, Earth Hour was a Sydney campaign. This year, it's a global event.
At 8pm March 29, 2008 millions of people in some of the world’s major capital cities, including Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne, Brisbane and Tel Aviv will unite and switch off for Earth Hour.
If you're going to switch the lights off this year, let us know here on the forums. Also, make sure to visit the website and sign up to show your commitment. Last, but not least, let's remember that saving energy isn't restricted to one day out of the year.
You don't have to live fully off the grid to make a difference; you can start by making simple changes in your life to reduce your impact on energy usage and carbon emissions.
Using CFLs instead of incandescents, turning the lights off or unplugging appliances you don't use, and walking or riding your bike instead of driving can go a long way Edited by: GranolaJoe on Mar 24, 2008 2:03:36 PM
"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold
I signed onto lights out about a month ago. I think its awesome that so many people are on board this year! I'm actually looking foward to shutting it all off.
I feel the same way! I signed up and sent emails out to all of my friends to join the cause. Unfortunately, not many of them responded to the idea or got on board....it kind of took me by suprise. It also shows us just how many people are blind to the problems of the environment. They think that they can go on living their life day to day the same way their parents did and that people like you and I will be the ones to save the planet. It will take everyone....that is why I am excited about this! I wish I could just shake everyone and make them see things in a different way.......there is no way we, or other living creatures, will survive if we don't start to care for our surroundings!
We were out of town for it, however we did spend it out in nature which fortunately made it the perfect time to honor earth and reflection. I spent some time sharing the facts of global warming, and the dire need for sustainable living with some friends that came out with us who were not yet in the know. Fortunately they appeared to be open to and touched by what they had learned that night. As the campfire blazed on we enjoyed each other and great food. Then the rain set in and we cozied into our beds as it lulled us to sleep. It was a lights out evening I will never forget. A few of us are going to make sure we make a tradition out of this experience in the years to come.
Joy Jackson, Life & Wellness Coach piceanjoy@gmail.com www.joyjackson.net
Edited by: GranolaJoe on Mar 24, 2008 2:03:36 PM
