Beat Eskom to it. Join Earth Hour 2019
Each year since 2007, our world has celebrated Earth Hour – a single 60 minute cycle where our lights go off and our awareness lights up. For one hour we turn down the power supply from non-renewable energy sources and dial up the voltage on our responsibility for the plight of our planet.
Earth Hour is our opportunity to take back our own right to live a life of harmony with nature, and to reclaim the only home we have ever known. It reminds us to pull our heads from under the ground and consider the impact our own daily practices have on the world and every species in it (despite what the bigwigs might have us believe). This auspicious global event shows us what we, the ordinary people, can do to gain control of climate change and change the course of our future – for good.
“Starting as a symbolic lights out event in Sydney in 2007, Earth Hour is now the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, inspiring millions of people to take action for our planet and nature.” earthhour.org
Fortunately for us South African folk, Eskom provides us the golden opportunity to maximise our awareness each and every day (often more than once depending what phase of sanity surveillance we are in). So the next time Master Chef unexpectedly cuts to the chase or Woolies shuts the doors in your face, rather than kicking up a fuss while you clamber for the candles, take a moment to pause and ponder the state of our planet.
“From pushing for environmentally-friendly laws and policies to crowdfunding for a better future, YOU make Earth Hour possible. Coordinated by WWF and other volunteer organisations, Earth Hour’s greatest strength is the power of people.” -earthhour.org
Load-shedding itself is a sure indicator that all is not well with the world. The fact that daily power cuts across our country are becoming a part of everyday life, highlights our need not only for alternative energy supplies, but for an entire revamp of the way we humans live on earth.
This year Earth Hour will take place on 30 March. Between 20:30 – 21:30 you’re invited to switch off the lights, if they aren’t already off (thanks Eskom…) and spark your own inner light of inspiration. Take this time to think how you can do your bit to shine our way to a better future.
“As accelerating climate change and staggering biodiversity loss threaten our planet, Earth Hour 2018-2020 endeavours to spark never-before-had conversations on the loss of nature and the urgent need to protect it.” – earthhour.org
How to Celebrate Earth Hour
Need a little motivation to get the spark going? Check out these ideas below:
- Share consciousness raising ideas with family and friends over a candle-lit dinner.
- Roast marshmallows and tell stories around a campfire.
- Light a bonfire and set your intentions for the year ahead.
- Go stargazing and revel in the awesomeness of nature.
- Take part in the WWF Earth Adventure Run Through Kirstenbosch Gardens.
- Sign up your own event on the Earth Hour website.
Don’t keep yourself in the dark about how you can help your planet and community out. Sign up to Brownie Points and get closely connected to the causes you care most about.
