Earth Hour: Show Your Love for the Mother

Wouldn’t it be great if we could solve all of the earth’s problems with the flick of a switch?

WWF announces Beijing's participation in the 2009 Earth Hour at Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall

With WWF’s annual Earth Hour, cities across the world will be showing their support and dedication to the environmental movement by flipping off the lights at 8.30pm local time.

So this Saturday, March 28, 8.30-9.30pm local time, join over 1,000 cities and the target of 1 billion people across the planet as Beijing castes its ballot in the global vote for the need to reduce energy use. Switch off the lights and treat your Mother Earth to a night the way she likes to spend it- in the dark.

The Sydney skyline before 8.30 on Earth Hour 2008. Photo by James Alcock

Many of the cities major landmarks, such as The Birds Nest, Water Cube, LG towers, Kerry Center, The Village, and many other buildings will all be shutting off the lights from 8.30-9.30pm on March 28 to voice agreement on our planet’s need for change.

But what really makes the difference is not the big lights, but the small ones- the lights at your house.

The Sydney skyline during Earth Hour 2008. Photo by James Alcock

Show your support for the environment, and your willingness to sacrifice a little bit of energy to give our planet, our polar bears, and our children a better tomorrow.

The bears need you to turn your lights off. Photo courtesy of WWF

If you feel like celebrating the lack of light pollution, head up the Beida for a night of star gazing, or swing by Club Obiwan and play in the dark at a free night of games and prizes put on by Greening the Beige.

Or take advantage of the best night of the year for a candlelit dinner- Blue Frog in the Village and the Intercontinental on Financial Street will both be taking part in the event, and welcome you to come dine in the dark.

While turning off the lights for an hour is a great way to caste your vote for a world that needs change now, this is just one step down a very long road we need to walk down.Participate in Earth Hour- and don’t stop there.

Change your energy habits. Raise your awareness. Set an example.

Everyday is Earth Day!

www.earthhour.org

Students at Beida attend a concert in celebration of Earth Hour on March 20