Unplug for Eco-Awareness!
Below you will find lists of activities that you can do to save energy, reduce your impact on the environment, and help spread awareness about Earth issues such as climate change.
Until 2010...
If you found turning out your lights for one hour only a small sacrifice, why not do it once a month for the rest of the year? Try to create one new green habit every month, and find new ways to reduce your not only energy and water use, but garbage and paper consumption as well.
Don't forget to join in the celebrations for Earth Day on April 22, 2009!
The Worldwide Roll Out
Where were you when the lights went out?
You can also view some wonderful photographs of Earth Hour at Boston.com.
The Earth Hour Transformation
In that short time over 50 million people had become aware of Earth Hour, and turned out their lights to save energy and spread awareness in 2008. Even some of the world's most recognizable buildings were dark for Earth Hour, including Rome's Coliseum, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square, New York.
In 2009, there are over 74 countries ready to participate in what is now called "Vote Earth" - a stand against global warming.
You can help make a difference by reducing your energy consumption on March 28th, between 8:30 and 9:30 pm. To watch the lights go out in different time zones around the world, you can check out some special webcam footage of the event. Visit The Green Market for more information.
The Huge Turn Off
How far are you willing to go to help spread climate change awareness?
Earth Hour Checklist
Top Ten Things to Do to Save Energy
Remember that saving energy is about more than just turning down the lights. Challenge yourself to do some or all of these energy saving things for Earth Hour - and every day - to save energy and help the planet.
#10 Fill Up Your Freezer
Did you know that an empty freezer uses up more energy than a full one?
If you have empty space in your freezer or deep-freeze, you can conserve energy - and reduce your electric bill - by freezing used pop bottles or milk jugs of water. Fill empty containers about 2/3rds full and place them in your freezer. The ice will help maintain the temperature inside the freezer, allowing it to use less energy.
#9 Invite Your Friends Over
You can help spread Earth Hour awareness by inviting your friends, family or neighbors to join you for Earth Hour activities. A few friendly faces can help make the time go faster, too!
Light Candles for Earth Hour
#8 Fix Drafts
Drafty doors and windows cause your heating and cooling bills to go up. Try to repair or cover any drafts around your home before Earth Hour. The money you save will help throughout the year as well!
You can also keep heating and cooling costs down with thermal window coverings
. But if you're pinching pennies, simple dark curtains can keep a room warm in winter, and white curtains keep it cool in summer.#7 Turn Down the Heat
If you're living in a cool climate and have the heat on in March, try turning your heat down slightly for Earth Hour.
To minimize the amount of energy that you use for heating, make sure that heating units are well ventilated and not obscured by furniture. There should be at least a few inches of space between heaters and other objects for them to work efficiently.
Close off any rooms that are not used regularly, and only heat rooms that you need to. If you keep your thermostats at a moderate temperature throughout the day, you will use less energy than you do by turning it up and down at different times.
#6 Unplug Appliances
At 8:25 on March 28th, it's time to start powering down for Earth Hour.
You can start by unplugging your small appliances such as the microwave and coffee maker. Hopefully, your toaster is already unplugged when not in use!
Unplug Your Toaster for Earth Hour!
#5 Unplug Chargers
For one hour, unplug your cell phone charger, battery re-charger and any other adaptors you have around your home. If you leave these items unplugged when not in use, you can save a few dollars in energy costs every month.
If you have a cordless phone you will need to leave it plugged in, unless you have a standard telephone in the house as well.
#4 Unplug Clocks and Electronics
It won't take long to reset your digital alarm clock after Earth Hour is finished. Unplug as many of the clocks around your home as possible. If you have a digital watch or wall clock, you can unplug them all!
Turn off and unplug your television and other devices like DVD players and video game consoles. If you have all of your electronics plugged into a power bar or surge bar, you can switch them all off at the end of the day, everyday. This can help you save money every month.
#3 Shut Off Your Computer
Even an idle computer uses energy. You can cut down on computer energy costs by powering down all of the devices at your desk for one hour. You can simply switch off the power bar or surge bar.
If there are items plugged in with your computer that must stay on, such as a cordless phone, you can unplug items individually, or turn off the power manually. Most computers have a power switch at the back of the tower that shuts them down completely.
#2 Unplug Lamps and Nightlights
Just like other electrical items, lamps should be unplugged when not in use. Unplug all of the floor and desk lamps in your home for Earth Hour. Only plug them back in as you need to use them.
#1 Turn Off the Lights
Last but not least, turn down all of the lights in your home. It's a little strange sitting around in the dark, but it's only for one hour. Just think of what it must have been like before the invention of the light bulb!
Are Your Participating in Earth Hour?
In 2009 we asked:
"Are you ready to save energy this year and show the world what a big difference small sacrifices can make?"
When Earth Hour 2010 comes around, what will you be doing?
Organic Lighting
Using organic candles is a great way to make the most of Earth Hour. They are better for the environment, as well as being healthier for you and your family.
Here are some examples of the great organic candle varieties available. To learn more, you can simply click on the photos.
Organic Hand Made 100% Beeswax Taper Thick Decorative Candles - 10" Tall, 7/8 Thick (Pack of 6)
Taper candles are small and easy to store around the house for emergencies. Don't forget to include a holder. Please remember to keep matches and other flammables out of children's reach.
Amazon Price: $37.99 (as of 01/05/2010) 
Olive Oil Organics Cinnamon Creme Brulee Travel Tin Candle
Travel candles are also great for storage, and can go just about anywhere. They are safer than most candle varieties, because the flame resistant container is not likely to tip over.
Amazon Price: (as of 01/05/2010)
Ten Things to Do During Earth Hour
To help make Earth Hour go faster, here are ten fun activities that you can do:
#10 Take a Nap
Nothing makes time go faster than sleep! If you're feeling sleepy, why not take a nap during Earth Hour and conserve your own energy, too?
#9 Make Love
You don't need lights to snuggle with someone! If you're lucky enough to be sharing Earth Hour with someone special, make the most of it! Better yet, turn Earth Hour into Earth Evening and save some extra electricity!
#8 Tell Stories
If you're spending Earth Hour with friends or family, turn it into a fun story telling night. You can tell spooky stories in the dark, or just tell mild ones, or maybe share memories of times past. Either way, you'll enjoy the time that you spend together.
#7 Play Board Games
As long as your favorite games don't require too much reading, you can play by candle light. Chess and checkers are great games to play in the dark.
Play Chess During Earth Hour
#6 Play Handheld Games
If you simply can't bring yourself to unplug, make sure that your Nintendo DS
or PSP
is charged up before Earth Hour, and spend the time playing your favorite handheld game.#5 Play Word Games
There are hundreds of different games that you can play just by talking. Some favorites, of course, are Truth or Dare and Telephone, but you can also try these fun games too:
The Map Game - Take turns naming countries, cities or other map regions by name. Each player must think of a place that begins with the last letter of the previous player's answer. For example: Amsterdam, Monaco, Orlando, Oakland, Denmark...
I'm Going on a Picnic - Take turns naming foods that begin with each letter of the alphabet. For example: Apple, Blueberry, Crab cake, Donut, English muffin...
#4 Sing Songs
You don't need a karaoke machine to have a sing-a-long. See who can remember the most lyrics from your favorite songs, or make up your own!
#3 Play Hide and Seek
There's something extra fun about playing hide-and-go-seek in the dark, even for grown ups! There are lots of different variations of the game, so set out the rules before you play. Don't forget to have fun!
#2 Recycle
You can do some easy recycled crafts by candle light and make Earth Hour even better for the environment!
Save the Earth
#1 Make a Green Action Plan
Since you're just sitting in the dark anyway, why not take this opportunity to talk about what you'll be doing this year to reduce your impact on the Earth? Make a list of all the things that you could change, and try to think of ways to add them to your lifestyle.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Buy a reusable coffee mug or water bottle
- Ride the bus or bike to work
- Insulate your water heater
Traditional Lighting
You can make an even bigger impact by making Earth Hour a monthly ritual in your household.
If you do plan to make Earth Hour a part of your life for more than just one day a year, you may want to invest in some reliable non-electric lighting
.
Lamplight Farms Ellipse Oil Lamps (Pack of 4)
Amazon Price: (as of 01/05/2010)
These traditional style oil lamps provide a great deal of light and are easy to use. They make beautiful decorations, and unlike candles, they can be turned up or down depending on how much light is needed.
What are People Saying About Earth Hour?
Check out what people are saying about Earth Hour on Twitter right now:
-
- hannahmcspadden
- @camsontheradio What on earth is taking you so long? I love that movie. The score is beautiful and about an hour and a half in...brilliant.
-
- OneNewsAlerts
- Helen Clark urges Kiwis to take part in Earth Hour: Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is urging New Zealanders to t... http://bit.ly/5MdURI
-
- squalloogal
- “Err… about ten to six?” I mumble. Who on earth is he calling at this hour? What’s Lauren done?
-
- newsnz
- Helen Clark urges Kiwis to take part in Earth Hour: Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is urging New Zealander.. http://bit.ly/52Vra7
-
- liendi11
- I'm grateful for joining Care2 as they support many causes. Earth hour will be on Mar 27 at 8:30 pm local time.
Ten Ways to Spread Earth Hour Awareness
To make Earth Hour 2009 an even bigger success, help encourage people to join in and power down. Here are 10 ways that you can spread the word about Earth Hour:
#10 Email
Send emails to your friends and family about Earth Hour. You can invite them to join you, or share your plans for March 28th. If you're really passionate, why not add a link to your favorite Earth Hour blogs or stories in your email signature?
You can also email this page to spread the word!
#9 Facebook
There are lots of Earth Hour groups on Facebook. Join at least the official one, and invite your friends to join as well. If you tell two friends, and they tell two friends, and they tell to friends... You get the idea. Think of how many people you could reach if you invited all of your Facebook friends to participate in Earth Hour!
You can post this page to Facebook as well!
#8 Digg It
If you're a Digg user, you can search for stories about Earth Hour. Digg them and share them with your friends to help get conversations going about saving energy.
You can Digg Top Ten Earth Hour Activities and find other related stories, too.
#7 Forum Posts
If you participate in discussion forums, write a post about Earth Hour activities. Ask people what their plans are, and get the conversation going. You can also add a link to your favorite Earth Hour blogs or stories in your forum signature.
#6 Talk About It
Ask people about their plans for Earth Hour, and let them know that you'll be joining in. Talk to everyone - even the cashier at the market!
Talk on the Telephone About Earth Hour!
#5 Have Earth Hour at Work
Get your employer to sign on for Earth Hour, too! If your workplace closes before 8:30, you can still power everything down at closing time. Ask if you can post a sign in the window letting people know that you're making Earth Hour a part of your business.
If you're self employed, let your customers, clients and partners know that your business is participating in Earth Hour. Ask them to join you!
#4 Make a Lens About Earth Hour
You can start your own Squidoo lens about Earth Hour, too! It's easy and fun to do. Your page can also help contribute to your favorite charity. This Earth Hour lens donates to Ecotrust and Earthjustice!
Make a Green Living lens today!
#3 Wear Earth Hour Apparell
In honor of Earth Day - April 22 - CafePress has also launched organic clothing. Now you can wear original designs and stick to your green lifestyle!
Earth Hour Large Framed Print
Unite with millions of people around the globe in a single voice to show it's possible to take action on global warming. On March 28, 2009, turn off your lights at 8:30 p.m. for 1 hour.
#2 Blog About Earth Hour
You can submit your blog post related to Earth Hour to Bloggers Unite and help the cause while gaining some exposure for yourself as well!
Here are some of the things other bloggers are saying about Earth Hour right now:
- Liberal Conspiracy » Earth Hour this Saturday
- Earth Hour is taking place this Saturday 28th March 2009. At 8.30pm around the world, people, businesses and iconic buildings around the world will switch off their lights for an hour, making a statement to the world's governments for ...
- Internship Opportunity with WWF-UK's Earth Hour Team | Jobs ...
- Earth Hour is a global, organisation-wide initiative that raises awareness of WWF and the breadth of its work. In 2010, WWF's Earth Hour will be held on Saturday 27 March at 8.30pm and WWF-UK is looking to recruit between 4 to 6 interns ...
- Earth Hour with the Reids - reidowitz Wide Open!
- Thanks to everyone that participated in Earth Hour 2009. A pretty cool, coordinated event around the world. I was kinda surprised by how many people were unaware of Earth Hour as I talked with folks last week. Then, our phones started ...
#1 Twitter Earth Hour
Write a quick Tweet about your Earth Hour plans below!
What will you be doing for Earth Hour?
I say...
What others are saying...
Are You Eco-friendly?
Will you be turning down the lights on March 28th? Share your thoughts on the potential of Earth Hour, and what you'll be doing from 8:30 to 9:30.
What do you plan to do for Earth Hour?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byI'm powering down!
airee says:
i will be sleeping
Posted March 28, 2009
JNONNU says:
nahh, I'll just sleep in dark
Posted March 24, 2009
1946192 says:
I plan to read a book , play my hand held game and recycle
Posted March 23, 2009
aj2008 says:
We'll definitely switch off the lights and carry on all our recycling and reusing.
Posted March 17, 2009
daria369 says:
I'll use that hour to relax and enjoy the peace and darkness... :)
Posted March 12, 2009
I'm staying plugged in.
Earth Hour Forever
Author Alan Weisman attempts to describe exactly what would happen, and why, in his book. Without human activity, nature would flourish, and our buildings and other structures would diminish with frightening speed.
The original aim of this book was simply to find out what the world would be like without humans. It turned out to be one of the most shocking environmental reads imaginable. Reading this book will change the way you think about caring for the Earth, and what your role is in the ecosystem.
The World Without Us
Amazon Price: $10.20 (as of 01/05/2010)
"After thousands of years, the Chunnel, rubber tires, and more than a billion tons of plastic might remain, but eventually a polymer-eating microbe could evolve, and, with the spectacular return of fish and bird populations, the earth might revert to Eden"
As seen on The Daily Show
Release Date: 08/05/2008
Avg. Customer Rating: 
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Add your favorite Green Living lens or website, and vote for your favorites.
Note: Squidoo membership is required to add or vote on link lists. If you're not already a member, join Squidoo today! You can rate lenses, participate in discussions, and create your own Green Living lens.
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Save the Earth
When you purchase items featured on this page, a donation is made directly to these important eco-charities. You can also donate to Ecotrust directly by clicking below.
Ecotrust is a conservation organization committed to strengthening communities and the environment from Alaska to California. We work with Native peoples and in the fisheries, forestry, and food sectors to build a regional economy based on social and ecol
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Please feel free to leave questions or feedback about Earth Hour Activites.
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- GeothermalVids GeothermalVids Sep 18, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
- Cool lens. Thanks for sharing about this great event!
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Reply
- nz101 nz101 Jul 25, 2009 @ 3:25 am
- Your lens would be a great addition to the Earth4Energy Group.
Earth4Energy is one of the best power saver packages on the Internet. You've got a really insightful lens here. I've given you 5-stars for your lens. Feel free to check out my lens on Earth4Energy and let me know your thoughts .. cheers !:)
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- SemperFidelis SemperFidelis Apr 8, 2009 @ 11:14 am
- Blessed by a SquidAngel today!
www.squidoo.com/squid-angel
~ Colleen :o)
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- a_willow a_willow Apr 6, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
- Had to come back! Leaving this wonderful lens an angel's thumbs up!
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- SammySpam SammySpam Apr 5, 2009 @ 12:11 am
- A great lens about Earth Hour! I participated and i hope everyone else did. :)
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- Until 2010...
- The Worldwide Roll Out
- The Earth Hour Transformation
- The Huge Turn Off
- About WWF
- Earth Hour Checklist
- Are Your Participating in Earth Hour?
- Organic Lighting
- Ten Things to Do During Earth Hour
- Traditional Lighting
- What are People Saying About Earth Hour?
- Ten Ways to Spread Earth Hour Awareness
- Are You Eco-friendly?
- Earth Hour Forever
- Top Ten Green Ideas
- Top Ten Green Living Resources
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