Earth Hour 2009 - Turn Out the Lights..

EARTH HOUR

Well, the hubby and I have big plans tonight...We're going to sit in the dark!

Yes, we paid our power bill and yes, we are choosing to turn off the electricity in our home for an hour or more.... We're taking part in a global event to show our support and commitment to saving our planet. (It doesn't hurt that we are including a bottle of wine, some cheese & crackers, and a nighttime stroll in the plan.) Being environmentally friendly and conscious of our carbon footprint can still be romantic!

This is the 3rd year in a row that millions of people worldwide will be turning off their lights & other non-essential electronics for an hour tonight to celebrate Earth Hour. Individuals as well as companies and international landmarks will take part by flicking the switch from 8:30pm to 9:30pm local times this evening. Even the famous Las Vegas Strip will be dark (on the outside) for this hour, including the huge "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign. This will be a first as the only time this is ever done is for a minute when a local star dies, never for an entire hour. Huzzah!

Sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, this event started in Australia and is celebrating it's third year with more participation each year. From the website:

In December 2009 world leaders meet in Copenhagen to agree on a post-Kyoto policy for tackling climate change. One billion people voting with their light switch during Earth Hour will create a powerful mandate for our leaders to take strong and decisive action on climate change in Copenhagen.

With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote, Vote Earth is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet.

While too many people still don't really think that 1 person or 1 family can really make a difference on a global level, it is amazing when events like this occur to see that EACH INDIVIDUAL really DOES count. We're talking BILLIONS of people choosing to do something as simple as flicking off a light switch for one hour. It's a start folks...