At 8:30pm to 9:30pm local time on Saturday, 23 March 2013, millions of people around the world will unite for the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour. The planet will go dark for an hour as many people will switch off their lights as a symbolic gesture to show their commitment to doing something positive for the planet.
Earth Hour is a world wide event which was arranged by the WWF and Leo Burnett as a way to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change. As a way to take action, an event was created to encourage households and businesses to switch off their lights. This event first took place in 2007 when 2.2 million people from Sydney turned off all their non-essential lights. From then onwards, Earth Hour has grown world-wide by many other cities adapting to this event.
There will be many events this Saturday as a way to support Earth Hour such as the Johannesburg Zoo. This zoo isn't just a place that provides a sanctum for animals and an attraction for visitors but is also committed to working on conservation projects regarding indigenous and exotic endangered animals. For Earth Hour, the Johannesburg Zoo will hold an event whereby people can camp next to the lions, go on a guided walking tour, star gaze with the astronomy club or relax around a bon fire.
94.7 Highveld Stereo will also be holding an event tomorrow by having a Neon 94 Hits in a Row party at the Yamaha World of Sound. Another event that will take place is 'On My Radar – Art of Earth Hour 2013' as a way to raise awareness for Earth Hour. Larger than life artworks which highlight humankind’s connection to and dependence on the natural world will be displayed in Johannesburg and Cape Town tomorrow. The first mural was displayed on 12 March in Maboneng Precinct, Johannesburg and the second mural will be displayed tomorrmow in Woodstock, Cape Town.
If you are wondering what to do when the lights go out, here are a couple of ideas:
• Host an eco-friendly party by gathering your friends together and have an organic dinner by candle light. If there is someone who can play the guitar, this is a great opportunity to whip out the guitar to play acoustic music.
• Give your house an energy makeover: This is a great opportunity to make your home more energy efficient. Replace your old light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, change your air conditioner filters and maybe even install a new energy-efficient item.
• If your are living a stressful life, tomorrow is a great occasion to unplug and chill-out. Switch off your phone, laptop/computer, unplug the tv, and read a book outside amongst candle light and nature as this is a time to relax and have 'you' time.
• If you have children, have family time by playing cherades or board games together.
Although Earth Hour is from 8:30pm to 9:30pm tomorrow, it shouldn't just end then; this is an opportunity to decrease an overall impact on the environment such as recycling, using less electricity, driving less often, and so much more. If we all work together, we will be able to stabilise our climate which will result in having a healthy planet.
No comments:
Post a Comment