Go dark, for more than just the climate

You probably have heard of Earth Day, when people all across the globe make a conscious effort to do environmental-based activities. But, have you heard of Earth Hour?

Earth Hour is a climate change initiative that aims to create awareness of a sustainable future by turning the lights off – across the globe, for one hour.

Earth Hour is a worldwide movement organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The WWF contends climate change affects everyone including wildlife and wildlife resources. The WWF along with other organizations make it their mission to help heal Earth so wildlife can thrive.

Usually celebrated the last Saturday in March each year, people all over the world make a promise to turn off their lights at 8:30 p.m., local time, and leave them off for at least an hour.  VSA Resorts has participated in this annual event the past few years by going dark at all three of our resort properties.

Many communities come together for activities and events to promote this monumental attempt to give Earth a break by reducing carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

The events of Earth Hour’s goal is to encourage people on every continent to think of ways to make these types of habits last more than hour. It’s also to inspire others to think of ways to positively impact the climate.

This year, Earth Hour is on March 28. Set a reminder to turn off the lights, and any other electronics you do not wish to use. If all of your neighbors are participating, make sure to step outside and look at the sky to catch a glimpse of the things normally unseen see due to light pollution.

Use this time to think of ways you can be more involved in improving the environment and reversing damage done to the atmosphere.

What ways do you think people can participate in Earth Hour? Let us know your ideas and plans.

Here are some tips for participation in Earth Hour and beyond:

  • Turn off lights and use more natural lighting, when possible.
  • Turn off or unplug electrical appliances when not in use.
  • Close your blinds and curtains.
  • If possible, wash your clothes in cold water (this could save you more than $100 in utility bills, as well).
  • Only wash full loads of laundry.
  • Air dry clothes when possible.
  • Run your dishwasher only when full.
  • Change your light bulbs to LEDs.
  • Clean or replace all filters in your home regularly. Dirty filters make your system work harder.

As we are experiencing the unprecedented COVID-19 circumstances, the Earth Hour global organizing team is advising that everyone could celebrate digitally this year and offer some suggestions on how to do so.

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*Photo from EarthHour.org