Lights off, people - March 19 is WWF Earth Hour 2016!

On March 19, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, we'll be switching off the lights for Earth Hour 2016 -- a worldwide grassroots movement uniting people to protect the planet.

Organized by the World Wide Fund (WWF), Earth Hour was famously started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007, and the Philippines in 2008. Since then it has grown to engage more than 7000 cities and towns worldwide, and the one-hour event continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movement.

The event is held worldwide towards the end of March annually, encouraging individuals, communities households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol for their commitment to the planet.


What lights can be safely switched off?

That is a decision that has to be made individually but usually the overhead lights in rooms (whether it is your house or a business), outdoor lighting that does not impact safety, decorative lights, neon signs for advertising, televisions, desk lamps, the list goes on and on.

There are a few lights we can say with certainty that should NOT be turned off, including safety lights in public spaces, lights for aviation guidance, traffic lights, security lights, just to name a few. The WWF ask people to use common sense. Before you turn off any lights for public spaces, Earth Hour recommends you check with local officials or community centers.

In your own home, use common sense with respect to safety. Keep small night lights on for basic safety especially in halls and on stairs. Make sure you have alternative light sources handy before Earth Hour starts, like torches or flashlights. That way if you need to see, you have a light source close at hand, and you can still respect the spirit of Earth Hour and keep yourself and your family safe. (www.earthhour.org)

Share a commitment, light a candle, and make this planet better. :D


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