(NaturalNews) On Saturday, the 29th of March, cities around the world turned off their lights for an hour as part of a global movement to stop climate change. The event started in Sydney by the World Wild Fund for Nature last year and has now spread to 35 countries.
Lights went off first in Suva (Fiji) and Christchurch (New Zealand), then capital cities in Australia. Followed by Manila (Philippines), Bangkok (Thailand), and cities in Denmark, and Dublin (Ireland). 15 to 18 hours later, lights started going off in Canada and the U.S. The cities that participated were Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Atlanta, Chicago, Vancouver, San Francisco and Phoenix.
For religious reasons, Tel Aviv ran their Earth Hour on Thursday. People dined by candlelight and a concert was powered by biodiesel and people-powered bicycles. Organisers there believed the event helps to raise awareness about the environment in a country where the focus is on the Palestinian conflict.
While many people in the world have a choice about switching off the electricity, people in Gaza, not far from Tel Aviv, have no choice. Palestinians are not the only ones in the world without electricity.
Turning off the lights is a simple way to start cutting green house gas emissions and communities, organisations and individuals can all be involved. In addition, this simple action gets people thinking about global warming and of other ways they can contribute.
Last year in Sydney, around 2.2 million people turned off their lights and other non-essential electrical appliances which led to a 10% energy reduction. This year, energy authorities estimated that the cut in electricity in the eastern states equated to two large power stations being shut down.
Many Government departments, including Defence with around 1,300 buildings around Australia, participated in the event. And the Federal Government is looking at reducing energy and impacts on the environment. It is even considering powering Parliament house by renewable energy.
We are so used to flicking the switch for instant power, we wonder what to do without it. However, from the range of alternatives some businesses and communities have come up with, its clear we can do without it –- for a little while. For example, a restaurant in Bondi Beach organised for their staff to wear solar-powered caps; for many, candle lit dinners and picnics accompanied by acoustic music were available. Other ideas included star gazing, telling stories, 'pin the tail on the donkey' and similar games.
Of course, reducing energy consumption for an hour won’t be enough to effect climate change. Lights may use around 10-15% of home energy, but the real energy guzzlers are air-conditioning, heating, and clothes dryers. Eliminating the need for these or using renewable energy will impact on energy use.
If you’d like to have your community, business or city involved next year sign up at
(www.earthhour.org) .
About the authorLynn Berry loves good food and cooking and is passionate about nutrition and natural health care. She has a website promoting healthy eating at www.low-calorie-vegetarian-recipe.com.
###
Related Articles
• New LED lighting technology embraced by consumers, Total Cost of Ownership saves money over incandescent, fluorescent bulbs
• EcoLEDs.com launches energy efficient replacement bulb for 40 watt light bulbs; uses only 5 watts of electricity, lasts 50,000 hours
• V2G technology allows hybrid vehicles to feed electricity into city power grids
• GridPoint devices stores, buffers electricity for homes and businesses
• Why light bulbs are accelerating global warming and mercury contamination
 |
Additional Resources:
electricity
climate change
the environment
|
Take Action: Support NaturalNews.com
 Email this article to a friend
 Share this article on: NewsVine | digg | del.icio.us
Permalink to this article: http://www.NaturalNews.com/022944.html
Reprinting this article: Non-commercial OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link.
|
 |
 |
Receive our Natural Health Newsletter for FREE
 Subscribe now (it's free!) to win. We randomly choose a subscriber each month to send $100 in eco-home products or a RealGoods.com gift certificate (our choice). Plus, you'll receive FREE news, articles and action alerts from NaturalNews.com editors and join over 800,000 monthly readers who report extraordinary health improvements after becoming a subscriber!
- Receive breaking news alerts on natural health solutions, renewable energy, the environment, global warming and more.
- Receive a free instant download of our $29 Secret Sources guide that reveals top sources for little-known health and diet solutions.
|
|
 |
 |
Recommended Special Report:
 Seven Words that can Change the World
by Joseph R. Simonetta
Read this special report now...
"Seven Words That Can Change the World reveals the astonishing, simple truths that have the power to forever transform our world for the better while freeing our minds from the enslavement of limiting beliefs. This is not a text for the simple-minded; it is a guiding philosophy for the mindful, intelligent few who are wise enough to seek out -- and recognize -- the higher simplicities of truly purposeful living." - Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, editor of NaturalNews.com
|
More on NaturalNews.com:
• Streaming Health Ranger Videos
• CounterThink Cartoons
• FREE Special Reports
• Podcasts
|
 |
|
 |
 |
NEW 6-CD audio set reveals amazing new protocol for reversing cancer, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and more. Click to learn more. |
 |
Own the first 8 Health Ranger Report audio programs on 6 CDs. Covers weight loss, ADHD, vaccinations, processed meats, bone health and more. Click to learn more. |
Featured Videos
Short clip on Aspartame
A short clip on aspartame from the documentary All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive video on Aspartame
The dangers of aspartame! Exclusive interview footage from Cori Brackett of Sweet Remedy.
Click here to view now...
Exclusive Footage from All Jacked Up!
See interview footage featuring the Health Ranger in the upcoming junk food film, All Jacked Up.
Click here to view now...
Drug Ad Parody
See the Health Ranger's satire parody of Merck's cholesterol drug ad.
Click here to view now... |
The Amazing Light Bulb
Human Roundup
The Pollution Point of No Return
|
|
Read recommendations on supplement companies, health food manufacturers and personal care product makers that you can trust. Our 100% independent review list tells you who to trust and who to avoid in the natural health industry. Click to read. |
|
Printable Version
