Earth Hour 2014

As global citizens, we are witnessing the devastating effects of climate change, and we understand that these impacts are a result of human behaviour that will, without action, only get worse. 

Since 2007, millions of people across the world have rallied together in a symbolic demonstration for action on climate change. It all starts with a simple flick of the lights at 8:30pm on March 29. This hour of darkness is a time to come together to display our commitment to the one thing that unites us all, the planet.

This global phenomenon and the largest grassroots action in history is called Earth Hour.

This year when you turn off your lights, take a moment of darkness, a moment of reflection and introspection, be inspired to choose a future where climate change is no longer a threat. Earth Hour is a chance to step away from our every day activities and think about what is happening to our planet, what we'd like to see in the future, and most importantly, how we can help. For one hour, focus on your commitment to our planet for the rest of the year, and into the future. Why do you care about the planet? Why is making a difference and making a change important to you? 

So, join millions of people across the world who will switch their lights OFF q for an hour on March 29 at 8:30pm, all to raise awareness for the planet. Instead have a candle lit dinner, take  a nap, read a book by flashlight, talk with friends, stargaze, play board games, join a community event, or reflect on the changes you will make this year. The possibilities are endless. 

Whatever you chose to do for the hour, know that hundreds of millions of others across the global will be doing the same. Uniting behind a common goal provides a powerful message that WE CAN make a difference. 

We only have one planet, you can help protect it.

Will you join me?

Earth Hour 2012

Earth Hour 2012 was the largest voluntary action for the environment, reaching further than ever before. It was celebrated in a record 150 countries and territories and 6494 towns and cities.  Millions of people joined to send the message that our combined efforts are needed to change our future to one that is sustainable.

The first official event in Anchorage was a huge success! Over 100 people enjoyed a candlelit walk during Earth Hour at the Alaska Zoo.  Here are some pictures from the event...

Earth Hour Part 2

Since our Earth Hour event at the Zoo is the first official event in Anchorage, we wanted to make it BIG.  So, we decided to go "beyond the hour" and throw out a challenge to schools within the Anchorage School District.  Since there isn't school on Saturday, we asked schools to choose the hour and participate in their own Earth Hour on Friday, March 30.  Several schools accepted the challenge. 

We spent the entire day at our partner school with kindergarteners to 6th graders, in complete darkness, making bird seed ornaments, playing polar bear board games, making collages out of recycled materials, making snow creations, planting pumpkin seeds and even reading stories.

The students got it.  They understood why we were doing what we were doing. Whether they learned how climate change affects polar bears or how trees help clean the air, they got it.  For them to understand what's happening to the environment and wanting to make a difference, is incredible.  They're our future.

It's not about the electricity or energy you save during that hour.  Earth Hour is a visual vote.  Similar to raising your hand when the teacher asks who wants to go out for recess.  It's visual.  When hundreds of millions of people, entire cities, even iconic landmarks, choose to sit in darkness for that one hour, it's noticeable.  It's this visual vote that shows governments and leaders how important the environment is and how much we care about our planet.

Join the Movement

Earth Hour is a universal message of hope and action to protect the one thing that unites us all - the planet. Together our actions add up.

More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.

Join the world for Earth Hour 2012 by switching off your lights for 1 hour at 8:30pm your local time on Saturday, March 31st.

                               

I know what I'll be doing during my hour - I will be at the Alaska Zoo, participating in our 1st annual Earth Hour at the Alaska Zoo!  At this event, the public is invited to participate in an hour-long candlelit stroll through the Zoo.  Youth from the community will be in attendance to share why taking action against climate change is important to them.  The hour will end behind-the-scenes at polar bear where we will turn on the lights and toss our polar bears some yummy treats for all to watch them enjoy!  Wish you were in AK to take part?  I don't blame you!  One of the awesome things about this event is that not only is this only the second official Earth Hour event in all of the great state of Alaska, but it's also the first ever in Anchorage! We're adding a city to the map! How cool is that?!

So, what will you be doing during your hour?

For more information on Earth Hour, visit www.earthhour.org.