Earth Hour 2011
What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour is a global initiative to show how we can all work together to build a sustainable future and combat climate change. Earth Hour asks individuals, businesses and governments to show leadership, take personal accountability for their climate impact and make behavioural changes to facilitate a low-carbon lifestyle. To symbolize this committment, participants turn off their lights for one designated hour in March.
The first Earth Hour event was in 2007 in Sydney, Australia and involved 2.2 million homes and businesses. The following year, Earth Hour participation had grown to 50 million people in 35 countries. In 2009, over 4,000 cities in 88 countries turned off their lights for the 3rd annual Earth Hour. During Earth Hour celebrations, global landmarks such as the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge, Toronto's CN Tower, the Pyramids of Giza and Rome's Colosseum have all stood in darkness. Local landmarks such as Edmonton City Hall and the Muttart Conservatory have also enjoyed an hour of darker skies.
How is Strathcona County involved?
Mayor Linda Osinchuk has proclaimed March 26th, 2011 from 8:30 to 9:30 P.M. as Earth Hour 2010 in Strathcona County.
Read the Mayor's proclamation
In order to do our part to conserve energy during Earth Hour, all non-essential lighting will be turned off at County facilities from 8:30 - 9:30 P.M. on Saturday March 26th, 2011. This will not effect essential lighting for emergency services or recreation facilities.
Why does shutting off my lights matter?
It has been estimated that turning off non-essential lights in Canada for one hour could save as much as 15% of the energy consumed on an average Saturday night.
By turning off the lights, Earth Hour participants show that they care about energy efficiency and climate change. While one hour of one day out of the year may not have a large impact on overall energy consumption, Earth Hour is a powerful demonstration of global concern for climate change and a desire to reduce energy consumption and increase energy efficieny.
To join this global movement you can do the following:
- Turn off any non-essential lighting in your home and office.
- Turn-off non essential appliances and electronic devices that use power even when not being actively used, such as computers, microwaves and coffee makers.
- Sign up with Earth Hour Canada to show your support.
- Tell you friends, family and coworkers about Earth Hour.
How can I enjoy my time with the lights off?
There are many things that we can do individually or as a group to enjoy an evening without electricity. Here are some ideas for Earth Hour activities:
- Go for a walk with family or friends
- Look at the stars
- Read a book or play a game by candlelight
- Play hide-and-go-seek
- Make acoustic music
Last updated: Monday, March 21, 2011
Page ID: 5272