Earth Hour is an annual event that started in 2007 as a way to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of sustainability. It is organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and takes place on the last Saturday in March. This year, that is today, March 25th.
As a family, living a sustainable and self-reliant lifestyle is important to us and we love that Earth Hour challenges people to consider making some changes in their own way of life. Earth Hour provides a sustainable, simple life moment with very little stress or preparation.
History of Earth Hour
The idea for Earth Hour came from a simple observation: that people can make a difference by taking small actions. We call it the “Power of One”. Whilst the event started as a symbolic gesture, it has grown into a global movement, with people from over 190 countries participating in the event each year.
The first Earth Hour occurred on March 31, 2007, in Sydney, Australia. Over 2 million people participated by turning off their lights for one hour. The event was so successful that it inspired other cities around the world to join in the following year.
This year, Earth Hour celebrates its 16th year and continues to be an important event for raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainability. It reminds us that we all have a role to play in protecting the planet and that even small actions can make a big difference.
Ideas for Earth hour
One thing we appreciate about Earth Hour is that it gives many people the opportunity to see the night sky as we do. Living far enough out of town that light pollution is minimized, we have an amazing view of billions of stars. Our children love to point out the planets and constellations, shooting stars and satellites.
You could light up the fire pit, grab some blankets, chairs, and hot chocolate, and head outside, which is what we’ll be doing this year. Other ideas:
- Turn off all the lights and play hide and seek with flashlights. Kick the can is another great idea.
- Light up a fire in your fireplace and take turns telling stories.
- Take a walk
- Set candles around and have a late supper, play cards or other games and see how it must have been to live before electricity.
- Do yoga or meditate for an hour in the quiet
- Learn a bit more about the Earth or how to create a more sustainable lifestyle for yourself
Turning off the lights will take you back to simpler times, so enjoy the electricity-free connection. Maybe challenge yourself to make your way to bed in the dark too and see how differently you sleep after no artificial light exposure for a few hours.
Interested in learning more about Earth Hour? Check out the WWF here.
Have a wonderful evening! You can find us… by the fire.
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