Why celebrate Earth Hour?
Whether individual, community, or business use, our consumption of electricity has grown, especially with our increasing dependency on technology and its ease of access. However, how often do we consider the impact of our individual energy usage on our local and global communities and the knock-on effect on mother nature?
On Saturday 27th March, millions of people will come together to take part in Earth Hour by turning off non-essential electric lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30pm (your local time) as a symbol of their commitment to planet earth. This event will shine a spotlight on the need to address issues surrounding nature loss and climate change. Originally starting out as a ‘lights out’ event in Sydney, Australia in 2007, Earth Hour now unites more than 185 countries and territories around the world, bringing together individuals and organisations to make positive changes to protect the environment and make legislative changes.
Earth Hour at home – Deepen your connection with Mother Earth!
Earth Hour gives us all an opportunity to consider how much electricity we use daily and raise awareness of how it affects our planet. Each year, millions turn off their non-essential lights as a symbolic display of their commitment to preserving mother earth. As this occurs around the time of the Spring and Autumn equinoxes in the northern and southern hemispheres, the greatest visual global impact can be experienced as it allows for close sunset times in both hemispheres.
There are many ways we can take time to reflect on our impact on mother earth and give her the helping hand to continue to support and give life to generations to come:
- Meditate – It’s easy to get swept up in our day-to-day responsibilities and lose our connection to the powerful energies mother earth shares with us. Give yourself some time each day to meditate and realign your mind, body and soul with the natural rhythms and energies of mother earth. By learning to reconnect with mother earth, you’ll soon discover new ways to heal her.
- Lights out – Turning off your non-essential lights during Earth Hour is a fantastic way to reduce the impact of energy wastage, but what about on a daily basis? Turn off lights in rooms not in use, or have you considered solar lights?
- Fun in the dark – When was the last time you had a candlelit dinner? Not only is it a quirky way to save energy, but it is also a wonderful way to reconnect with the people around you, as well as helping you to be more mindful and aware of your inner and outer world.
- Take indoors outdoors! – Remember all those solar lights you bought in that sale but never used? Make a mini outdoor living area one evening, take some comfortable cushions or camping chairs outside and light up your garden with some magical lights and give your electricity meter a break. Not only is it fun, but you will also get plenty of fresh air and the opportunity to reconnect with nature.
- Get the kids involved – Up-cycle any cardboard, plastics, materials or any other unwanted bits and bobs lying around the house and create your own characters with the kids. Grab a torch and host your own family shadow-puppet show. You could even give your shown an environmental theme!
- Disconnect to reconnect – Switch off or unplug any switches or appliances not being used. Even if your tv is on standby, it is still using energy. Why not immerse yourself in that hobby you always wanted to pick up, read a book, go for a walk or sing and dance around the house like nobody is watching. Not only will this help to reduce your energy consumption and impact on the earth, but it will also help refocus and cleanse your mind, opening you up to new possibilities and opportunities.
- Grow your own – Even if you don’t have a garden, you can show your appreciation to mother nature by growing a plant from seed on your windowsill. If you would love to do something on a bigger scale, volunteer some time to a community gardening group and make a positive contribution to your local environment.
- Learn about nature loss and climate change – Grow your knowledge and do some research to raise your awareness of the key issues affecting the earth and discover new ways you can make a difference and educate others.
Are you listening to the heartbeat of mother earth?
Climate change remains a big challenge for us all and together we can work towards taking positive action to address the environmental issues we are facing, whether our actions are big or small. Switching your lights off for an hour is on the beginning of the journey to show our love to mother earth and protect the local and global community around us for current and future generations. As we begin to give mother earth the care and attention she deserves, the more our awareness of our connection to her in mind, body, soul, and spirit will increase and the recognition and importance of the support she provides us throughout our life’s journey.
#EarthHour #Connect2Earth