Inspiring Climate Action Since 2009
Tribe, more and more people around the world are casting their vote for the planet, by joining the Earth Hour celebration since it started by WWF back in 2007 in Sydney. The symbolic act of switching off lights from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm local time on the last Saturday of March annually, is one of the largest global grassroots movements for environmental protection.
Earth Hour event is not about reducing carbon emission by switching off lights for 1 hour, therefore, trying to find what is the measurable result of this global event is like misinterpreting the mission behind this campaign. Many people wonder, why is Earth hour important? The biggest takeaway from this movement is every tiny action counts when it comes to protecting our planet. Therefore, more and more people need to change their mindset and start taking climate actions, to get a bigger impact. This event is significant because it can be a starting point for those people who haven’t given thought to a sustainable lifestyle yet.
So in a true sense, Earth Hour is not really about, just switching lights off for 1 hour in a year and then forgetting about our planet and climate change. Earth Hour is about sharing your sustainable lifestyle ideas with others, spreading the word, and inspire those around you who need to start doing their bit for the planet and the survival of our future generations.
Here are some ideas for you about how to celebrate Earth Hour.
This is a great opportunity to disconnect from the urban environment and re-discover the beauty of Nature to remind yourself how important for us to keep our planet healthy for the survival of our race. If possible go somewhere far from the city and have a camping or hiking trip. Breath fresh air and remind yourself what steps can I take to reduce air-born pollution. Can I use sustainable transport? Or can I reduce my toxic exposure?
However, if you going outdoors make sure, you won’t damage any flora fauna or leave the litter in nature. Read our guide about how to keep nature clean when visiting outdoors.
If going somewhere far from home is not possible, it’s a great night to have a sky party with your friends or kids in your backyard or on the terrace. Thanks to lights off, light pollution is at its minimal on this night and you can see the stars much brighter than other nights. You can pull out your telescope and show your kids or kids in your neighborhood those planets or craters on the moon.
Now that you are going to switch off lights at home, why not take some simple climate actions and make your Earth Hour more impactful. Here are some of the ideas for you from my previous Earth Hour celebrations.
Recycling your waste: You can walk up to your nearby recycling station with your recyclables and drop them off.
Eco-friendly DIY: You can also dedicate this time to coming together to work on some DIY upcycling projects. I would recommend creating a functional piece out of waste items instead of an art piece, as it will reduce the need of buying another new item. Simple ideas could be creating lanterns out of waste metal cans like this one in the photo.
Sustainable Food: Prepare your plant-based (meat-free) no-cook dinner to support local sustainable food.
Skip your gym routine and get outside take a walk or run and take in the sights. Spot the landmarks around you participating in Earth Hour. You can also do a candlelight Yoga or Meditation session on your own or host it for your friends and family, as mindfulness is one the most important step in living more sustainable.
You can reflect on your habits and brainstorm on how to be more sustainable. You can invite your friends, neighbors, and reflect on and discuss if anything you can do together in your community to be more sustainable?
You can spend quality time with your family, with your parents or kids, and talk about the times how people used to find simple solutions instead of depending on commercially made items for every single problem.
When my son was younger, we had fun storytime about wild animals by creating shadows of animals in candlelight.
You can throw a party with a cause, include some fun activities listed above, and some relevant brainstorming. Though remember to keep the party menu meat-free and as much locally produced. Ditch the single-use party supplies to support Earth Hour. Here is some information about how to host an eco-friendly party.
There are so many Earth Hour events happening around the world, so join one near you. Do not forget to take public transport. Here is more information about the UAE’s public transport and local Earth Hour events.
Here is our Earth Hour 2020 online celebration video. Because of the coronavirus (covid19) pandemic, we are all in lockdown and staying at home, so we made this video for our online Tribe, where they joined us to make DIY paper lanterns out of waste papers at home.
Whatever you do to celebrate the Earth Hour don’t forget to share it on social media, spread the word. You never know who will pick interest in your post and it might inspire them to take action. How about sharing these tips on your social?
Last, but most importantly, start making small changes in your life. Here you will find the resource on how to start your sustainable lifestyle journey. Remember, the real success of Earth Hour is only if you start taking more regular efforts to protect our natural system.
To celebrate Earth Hour, you can also join our month-long sustainability challenge by joining our Ambassador program here. It can be a great start for you to learn sustainability step by step, plus you get sustainable rewards from our partners too!
If you are already following a greener lifestyle, I highly recommend you join our #ZeroWasteUAE Social Initiative.
Do tell us in the comments below, how was your Earth Hour celebration, and since then what changes you made in your daily life.
Amruta Kshemkalyani, an expert sustainability professional turned social entrepreneur, is the founder of the Sustainability Tribe, AK Sustainability
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