Keep your eyes open and your flashlights near tomorrow night between 8 and 9pm, because Tel Aviv will be taking part in Earth Hour – an international initiative that aims to reduce power consumption by turning off lights and, as a result, decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
This will be the first time that Tel Aviv – or any Israeli city – participates in the global movement. At least 24 cities worldwide will be participating in the event, including Bangkok, Chicago, Dublin, and Sydney (which inaugurated the Earth Hour concept in 2007).
Perhaps even more unique than the fact that Tel Aviv residents, business owners, and public institutions will be turning off their lights for an hour is the special “unplugged” concert to be held in Rabin Square.
And unplugged really does mean unplugged.
Israeli rock group Knesiat Hasechel will be performing in Rabin Square, but it will use only renewable and sustainable energy sources to power the concert. This will include bio-diesel and a team of volunteers who have volunteered to cycle continuously in a special designated area, thus creating the energy to power the event. There are at least 42 volunteers powering the event, each of which will cycle non-stop for half an hour so that we can enjoy the concert guilt-free.
See also:: Lights Out for Tel Aviv
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
Karen
I am sorry we did not meet up I did’t see your e-mail until now (after hours) I was back at our booth. Feel free to be in touch if you want to discuss the show (bikes etc.. )
shabbat shalom – Joshua
Kol haKavod, Tel Aviv. We have an opportunity for “Earth Day” every week. It’s called SHABBAT!
Hey Joshua,
If you’re going to be at the concert tonight, it would be fun to meet up. Any idea when you’ll be there?
Karen
Joshua,
You should meet with Karen (another Green Prophet). She might be there…. doubt I’ll make it, but I am sure it will be a sight. Take loads of pics and/video and we’ll post it.
Karin
Karin
I hope you can make it out tomorrow. It’s the Good Energy Initiative (your old friends) running the bikes tomorrow. You should see the set-up its amazing. I believe solar and bio-diesel will be on display as well.
Joshua
That would be great. I love the idea of pedal power…
Hey, Karin. I’ll do my best to be there – I’ll try to take pictures too.
Excellent news Karen. Will you be there tomorrow and can you report to us on how the event goes, if you are?