It’s Earth Hour this weekend, which means you have the chance to join millions of people around the globe in a united effort to consume less energy. With the recent report confirming that industrial civilization is on the brink of absolute collapse, it is more important than ever to unplug and reduce your dependence on grid energy.
The first Earth Hour took place in 2007. Since then, it has blossomed into a massive global celebration that sees not only millions of individuals hitting the switch for an hour, but major landmarks as well.
Every year, the Burj Khalifa switches off and this year, for the first time, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul and the Hagia Sophia and Bosphorous Bridge that connects Europe and Asia will be switching of as well.
In Jordan, a candlelit march will take place on one of the city’s oldest streets in Jabal Amman, and the lights of Al Karak Castle will be switched off as well.
Related: Why Earth Hour still matters
Small events will take place in Egypt and Iran and other countries across the Middle East and North Africa – all you have to do is head over to WWF’s Earth Hour site to find out how you can get involved in your own community or country.
And if there isn’t an event, make one! Or have your own private party in the dark.
Whatever you choose to do, remember this. While Earth Hour is a symbolic international gathering designed to celebrate a healthier planet, the idea is to get people thinking about ways that they can reduce their footprint for the long term.
“It’s a brilliant reminder that together we can make change happen, and it gives us a chance to think about the small things we can do everyday to help create a brighter future,” writes WWF.
“So whether you reflect under the stars or celebrate by candlelight, it’s a moment to say you’ll do your bit to protect our planet – not just for one hour, but every day.”
This year’s Earth Hour takes place on March 29, from 8.30-9.30pm (local time.)
Author: Tafline Laylin
As a tour leader who led “eco-friendly” camping trips throughout North America, Tafline soon realized that she was instead leaving behind a trail of gas fumes, plastic bottles and Pringles. In fact, wherever she traveled – whether it was Viet Nam or South Africa or England – it became clear how inefficiently the mandate to re-think our consumer culture is reaching the general public. Born in Iran, raised in South Africa and the United States, she currently splits her time between Africa and the Middle East. Tafline can be reached at tafline (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
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