Turn off your lights!

[tessa_s212]

http://www4.earthhourus.org/

On March 29, 2008 at 8 p.m., join millions of people around the world in making a statement about climate change by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, an event created by the World Wildlife Fund.

[Pam]

I noticed this when I went to Google this morning. They are *dark* already.

[sammy101]

Thanks for the reminder! :)

[pitc9]

I noticed this when I went to Google this morning. They are *dark* already.

Ohhhh.. THAT'S why!! :o

I'll be at a reverse raffle tonight with about 50 other people, I don't know if the party center is going to turn off the lights! Guess I'll find out!

No lights will be on at my house at 8:00, (unless the pups turn them on!)

[Randi]

It's a good time to do it, most people have finished dinner and then it'll be time to light the candles. :) I may have my computer on though. ;) It's almost 7PM here, but not dark yet.

Ohh, we're changing to summertime tonight!

[sparks19]

Tessa? I didn't know you were on this forum :D HI

Yeah I thought there was something wrong with my computer when I pulled up google and it was all black lol

[ilovemypup]

Yeah I didn't know you were here..Hi tessa :)


We're doing earth hour here!:D

-Ali

[Lady's Human]

Beyond symbolism, what is this supposed to accomplish?

You don't just turn off generating plants, they will still be running, albeit at a reduced load, which is murder on efficiency.

[Karen]

Awareness, because we all should conserve more. It's not like they are asking everyone to unplug the refrigerators, televisions, furnaces, etc. Just lights out!

[lizbud]

Awareness, because we all should conserve more. It's not like they are asking everyone to unplug the refrigerators, televisions, furnaces, etc. Just lights out!


Excellent answer. :) Awareness is the first step in solving any problem.

[Ginger's Mom]

It's funny, I didn't know anything about Earth Hour until I started my computer today and saw the Google page. It sounds like a fun idea. And it also reminded me that I bought the new energy efficient lightbulbs two weeks ago and never put them in. Did now. :)

[Moesha]

Here's a link to 10 more things that can be done while the lights are out from the World Wildlife Fund: clickie (http://wwf.worldwildlife.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=11721.0&dlv_id=1376)
And for those of you that are like me and are too lazy to click on links sometimes:

Earth Hour is tonight, March 29, from 8 to 9 pm local time! Get ready to make it a great celebration for the planet.

Wondering what to do after you turn the lights out? Here are 10 fun ideas to help you, your family and your friends make a change and make a difference today.


Time to switch to CFLs!
1. Host a Green Party
Get your friends together for an Earth Hour eco-party. Fire up the flashlights and battery lanterns, serve organic food, avoid the disposable utensils, use natural décor (like flowers and hanging plants) and have a friend provide acoustic music. Talk to your guests about how you're each reducing your environmental footprint and share ideas and solutions for saving more energy, money and carbon dioxide.

2. Give Yourself an Energy Makeover
Use Earth Hour to make your home more energy efficient: Replace your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs; install power strips (so you can turn computers and electronics on and off more easily); and change your air conditioner filters. Or go one step farther and install one new energy-efficient item, like an EnergyStar qualified DVD player. And on Monday, call your local utility and sign up for green power-like wind, hydro or solar.

3. Go Green with Your Kids
Earth Hour is a perfect time to talk to your kids about the environment and why we need to protect our planet from the dangers of climate change. Check out books on the environment from the library and read by flashlight, or head into the yard and have a night picnic. Or how about a night of board games? Check out our downloadable Earth Hour kids' activities.


Don't forget your reusable
bags when you shop!
4. Do a Recyclables Scavenger Hunt
Get your flashlights and scour your cabinets and shelves for cans, bottles and cardboard (like cereal boxes) that you don't normally recycle. Make a list of all the non-recyclable containers you're using now (like plastic shopping bags and butter tubs), and figure out ways to reduce your consumption of items that end up in landfills. One easy tip: get reusable grocery bags... and reuse them!

5. Green That Workspace!
Working the night shift? Even if you can't turn off all the lights at work, look around and see what you can unplug, turn down or use less of (like consuming less paper by printing double-sided). Every day millions of computer screens and speakers are left on overnight--shut 'em off! And talk to your coworkers about what they can do to help make a difference, too.

6. Involve Your Local Leaders
If your city or town isn't hosting an Earth Hour event, ask your local government to set up a community "green" discussion this spring. Help organize attendance by reaching out to local environmental and community groups, and come prepared to ask your leaders what they're doing to make your city greener.

7. Clean Up Your Neighborhood
Grab a flashlight and take a long walk through your neighborhood, picking up trash and recyclables as you go. It's a great chance to do some stargazing, too!


Turn off the television.
© WWF-Canon/John Daniels
8. Unplug and Chill Out
Most of our daily activities--like watching TV, shopping online and texting friends--require loads of electricity, but do we really need to do so much stuff all the time? Take one hour for yourself to just chill... turn off the screens, put down the handheld devices and just take some "you" time to reflect, read or talk to your family. After all, why do more when you can do less?

9. Take Your Temperature
Your thermostat and your refrigerator are responsible for a huge portion of your carbon footprint. If you lower your thermostat by just 2 degrees and set your fridge to 37 degrees F. and the freezer at 0 degrees F., you'll make a big difference.

10. Make a Pledge for the Planet
Earth Hour shouldn't end at 9:01 pm--it's a chance to take a first step toward lowering your overall impact on the environment. So use part of that hour to make a personal pledge to do more--recycle, drive less often, turn off or unplug electronics, and beyond. The only way we're going to stabilize our climate is if we make real changes in our everyday lives. That change begins with Earth Hour, and ends with a healthy planet.

Of course, there are more than 10 ways to make a difference. Visit WWF's website for additional ideas on things you can do every day to help the Earth and reduce your environmental footprint.

Thank you for being a part of Earth Hour and committing to lowering your impact on the planet.

Switching off,


Richard Moss
Managing Director and Vice President, Climate Change