Lights out for Earth Hour

TODAY the world will observe Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Earth Hour aims to encourage an interconnected global community to share the opportunities and challenges of creating a sustainable world. Individuals, businesses and governments are encouraged to show leadership on environmental solutions through their actions and to use Earth Hour as a platform to showcase to the world what measures they are taking to reduce their environmental impact.

Earth Hour asks everyone to take personal accountability for their impact on the planet and make behavioural changes to facilitate a sustainable lifestyle.

The first Earth Hour event was on 31 March 2007 when the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) -Australia inspired Sydney-siders to show their support for climate change action.

More than 2.2 million individuals and 2 000 businesses turned their lights out for one hour in this, the first event. Earth Hour asks people to turn off only the non-essential lights for one hour, not lights affecting public safety.

Individuals at home keep small night lights on for basic safety especially in halls and on stairs.

It is also handy to have torches or flashlights available.

Candle awareness

If opting to use candles consider using environment-friendly candles.

These are made of 100% beeswax or soy and are gentler on our planet by being smoke free, non-toxic and non-allergenic.

They are also made of natural products, not petroleum-based materials, so they are effectively carbon neutral.

If you’re using candles, make sure there is adult supervision and that they are never left unattended.

Candles should be kept away from children and pets and extinguished before going to sleep.

Candles need to be kept away from flammable liquids and gas-combustible materials, as well as combustible materials such as paper, curtains and clothing.

They should not be placed in windows where they can be blown over or blinds and curtains could catch alight.