EARTH HOUR 2009, MARCH 28.

Earth Hour began with the goal of “inspiring people to take action on climate change.” Initiated by the World Wildlife Fund Australia and the Sydney Morning Herald, the first Earth Hour took place in Sydney, Australia on March 31, 2007. The goal: get as many people as possible to turn off their lights for an hour, and lower power consumption by 5%.

“On March 31, 2007, 2.2 million people and 2,100 businesses turned off their lights for one hour,” the Earth Hour website proudly proclaims. This marked a reported decrease of 10.2% in Sydney’s energy use in that hour, “…the equivalent of taking 48,000 cars off the road for a year.”¹

One might think that doing something as trivial as turning lights off for one hour would have no impact on the environment. Major cities, Chicago included, have reported significant usage reductions during last year’s event. If we all do that one trivial thing we can make a difference.

The first video linked here will show you what has been done and what is being done to “celebrate” dark skies. The second video linked here must be viewed through completion to get full appreciation.

Join me and several million people around the world and do your part. And don’t forget to tell friends and family.

^1. Reprinted from the WWF website.

Become involved.

EARTH HOUR – Get involved.

Everyone must do their part and get involved in this annual event. Tell everyone you know that with everyone’s help we can put a check on the detrimental affect global warming has on us all. Watch the video and pass it on you your friends, family and employers.

Earth Hour

Homer Glen Dark Skies

After many years of trying, the town that I now call home has passed an ordinance that specifically targets light pollution. You can visit Homer Glen’s website to get a copy of the ordinance for use with your own efforts in creating similar initiatives in your community. I am proud to have been a member of the committee that worked on the ordinance. When I was asked to join with other like minded individuals I jumped at the chance. I was first introduced to such efforts when I lived in Whitefish, MT. They have had a long standing program that helps reduce the amount of light thrown into the skies allowing its citizens to enjoy the view of the night sky as it was meant to be seen. It will be a continuing effort in educating our citizens, business owners and developers, both residential and commercial, showing them the benefits of such an ordinance. I can only hope that other communities take a similar stand and bring back the night skies.