Resources / Ripples & Wipeouts

On March 29, 2008--the global movement to shut off the lights for one hour made a bold statement about climate change. Twenty-six cities from around the world participated formally as Earth Hour flagship cities, and a total of 370 cities displayed their support. Together, millions of people delivered a powerful message to the citizens and leaders of the world about the need for action on climate change. Click here to see a blog post about earth hour’s success.

Earth Hour was an opportunity for each one of us to take action, influence others and start a wave of change that can alter the course of climate change. But turning off your lights is just the beginning. What can one person do in the face of a global challenge? Read on for some easy tips to help you make a big impact:

Make it Happen

If you missed Earth hour 2008, sign up for Earth Hour 2009! It’s easy and free to be part of the Earth Hour movement. Below are details on how to participate, courtesy of Richard Moss of the World Wildlife Fund.

- Be sure to be counted. Sign up for Earth Hour 2009 at www.earthhour.org and commit to turning off your lights off next year.
- Urge your friends, family, colleagues and contacts to show their support. It’s easy to engage and inspire.
- Spread the word. Earth Hour could be just the excuse you’ve been waiting for to knock on doors on your street or in your building. Ask them to go dark. Create your own event, such as a neighborhood Earth Hour celebration.
- Blog about Earth Hour. Add an official Earth Hour web banner to your blog, website, or online page. Or start a conversation about climate change when you wear Earth Hour stickers you can print at home.

Find out more: Earth Hour

Reach Out, Speak Out, Go Out
Shutting off non-essential lights for WWF’s Earth Hour on March 29 will give you some time to think about how you can be smarter about the Earth’s resources.

- You don’t have to sit alone in the dark. Talking about protecting the planet for future generations can make for a very pleasant evening. Couple your conversation with some organic chocolate (dark, of course!) and make Earth Hour a night to remember.

- Plan a get-dark party for Earth Hour. The younger crowd can host a slumber party complete with scary stories, hold an acoustical jam session or bring friends together to do some dancing in the dark. Don’t worry about decorations--it will be dark!

- Check in with a local astronomy club about star gazing events. The night sky provides its own light show--and here’s your chance to take a break and soak up the view.

- You can still text in the dark. Make a list of all the ways you are going to reduce your energy consumption: unplug unused appliances; change to compact fluorescent bulbs; properly inflate tires; adjust your thermostat. Text your list to others and challenge them to make their own lists. Check other lists for ideas you may have forgotten.