What would you do without power for an hour? Play checkers by candlelight? Do some yoga in the dark? Host a candlelight dinner for your friends and family? Count the minutes until you can start watching tv again? Earth Hour is an opportunity to do just that–turn off all your lights and electrical appliances for an hour and take a stand against climate change.
Earth Hour is a climate change awareness initiative organized by the World Wildlife Fund. The first Earth Hour was in 2007, when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Sydney, Austrailia turned their lights off for an hour to show their concern over climate change. Since then, it has grown every year, with more concerned families, companies and famous landmarks standing in darkness during Earth Hour. Earth Hour 2010 saw 128 countries participating, and 2011 is expected to be the biggest Earth Hour yet.
This year, Earth Hour’s focus goes beyond switching off the lights between 8:30-9:30pm on Saturday, March 26. Climate change and responsible energy use is something we need to work towards every day, and Earth Hour is a good place to start making small changes that will add up over time.
Want to participate in Earth Hour 2011? It’s as easy as turning off your lights, TV and computer at home, but you can also participate with other local folks at various establishments.
- Hyde Creek Recreation Centre will be hosting a Earth Hour swim on March 25, with earth-themed games, crafts and activities for the family. It’s happening between 1-3pm at the Hyde Creek Rec Centre, 1379 Laurier Ave, Port Coquitlam. For more information, contact Tina Louie at 604 927 7955.
- Want to celebrate Earth Hour in style? Join the Fairmont Vancouver for an Earth Hour candlelight dinner, featuring a raw menu, chocolate fondue, and acoustic music. For more information, contact Emily Armstrong.
- Several local landmarks will be turning off their lights for Earth Hour, including several downtown skyscrapers, Science World’s dome lights and Oakridge Plaza. For more local venues participating in Earth Hour, check the interactive map on the WWF website.
Participating in Earth Hour is a great way to have fun as a family, teach kids about electricity use, spread awareness of climate change, and imagine what life would be like without cheap, easily available fuel.
Whether you have an acoustic dance party in your living room or do it up in style at the Fairmont, Earth Hour is a chance to take action on climate change.
