For all of us who are living under quarantine or governmentally-mandated stay-at-home orders, there is still something we can do today to demonstrate our commitment to the environment. At 8:30 local time on Saturday, March 28, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and other conservation organizations are asking for businesses and individual to turn off all non-essential electric lights for one hour. The idea is to show global support for policies and behaviors that will better protect our planet and its inhabitants, including the non-human varieties.
This initiative, known as Earth Hour, was started in 2007 by the WWF in Sydney, Australia as a symbolic lights-out activity to show concern for the environment. It has grown into one of the largest grassroots activities in support of environmental action, typically involving millions of people in over 180 countries and territories.
While Earth Hour has, in the past, included local rallies, this year’s event will be all digital due to the coronavirus. However, there is plenty for shut-ins of all ages to do. The organizers have a list of 20+ ways to enjoy Earth Hour indoors at: https://latest.earthhour.org/earthhour-at-home.
Some of my favorites are a series of video by Sir David Attenborough about steps we can take to save the environment at: https://www.ourplanet.com/en/video/how-to-save-our-planet
Or if you want someone a little younger, activist Greta Thunberg is offering her call to action video at: https://www.facebook.com/WWF/videos/319729432170549/
It may seem like a small thing, but when millions do it, it adds up to a big thing. A lot of things may seem like they are out of our control right now, but for me, taking this small step gives me a little burst of positive energy and a feeling of empowerment.
So our electric lights will be off this evening. We invite everyone to join us.
BlissFullU 