Saturday, March 31, 2012

Give the Earth an Hour



Earth. Home planet. So far, the only home planet we've got.


From space (photo is courtesy of NASA), those brilliant gold splashes are our cities burning electricity at astounding rates. There's also that pretty aurora for your viewing pleasure. It really is a mighty fine planet to which we are so fortunately attached.


Tonight we can all make an effort to cut a bit of that electricity consumption (save fossil fuels, limit pollution and such good things) during World Wildlife Fund's Earth Hour.


From 8:30-9:30 p.m. wherever you are turn off all non-essential lights and appliances. (Nobody should put themselves in danger, just think about what you really need to use). Walk with friends? Candlelight dinner? Reading with one light?


Some cities will have Earth Hour events. For more information and photos around the world of lights going off check: http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html

Or on Tweeter #earthhour

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Any ideas, thoughts on this?

12 comments:

Yvonne Osborne said...

Awesome post, Tricia! And photo as well. It's a tragedy that our government has allowed NASA's funding to elapse. I can turn off all non-essential electricity for more than an hour, but my hubby will probably have a fit if I pull the plug on the Final Four tourney.
Thank you for yet another reminder of our planet's fragility.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Yvonne: Thank you, and I so agree about NASA. That program has brought so much knowledge, enlightenment and inspiration to the world. How do you put a pricetag on that?

Ha! And I expect lots of resistance to unplugging of televisions. Hopefully, people will just watch their screens with the rest of the house unplugged. ;)

Jemi Fraser said...

I'll be reading by candlelight for the hour! It's so important that we take care of our planet! :)

Michael Horvath said...

I've already pulled the plug...for a couple years now. I can't afford the electric bill as it is.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Jemi: I like picturing you curled up with your book by candlelight.:)

Michael: Really? None whatsoever? That's brave!

Claire Dawn said...

North Japan has been on setsuden (energy conservation) since the earthquake/tsunami/nuclear crisis a year ago. It's amazing to think how much non-essential energy we use. After living like this for a year, I'll always be mindful.

Bish Denham said...

Yup... did it. It's quieter by lantern or candle light. Nice.

Julie Dao said...

I love participating in Earth day and feeling like I am doing my part - however small - to help conserve energy!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Claire: I hadn't realized that about your electricity, but, of course, that would be the case. Changing habits is hard. Mindful is the key, you're right.

Bish: Oh, yes, there is something quiet and peaceful about lanterns and candles.

Julie: Each of us doing little parts adds up!

Anonymous said...

I was asleep during Earth Hour, but at least my lights were off.

I saw pictures of the major cities dimmed. The monuments looked gorgeous at night.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Medeia: "at least my lights were off" :D:D:D:D

Suzanne Casamento said...

I can't believe I missed this!

I love this idea and try to conserve energy as much as possible. The aura in the pic is beautiful, but scary.