Area II - Thoughts, Inspirations & Perspirations

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Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Switch it Off - Take Charge. Tr. Gautam Garg

Switch it off: An initiative for change




Act fast or face doomsday in 2015. That was the clarion call by climate scientists to us, earthlings. If we fail to act now that gloomy prophecy may well become true in seven years. In an effort to demonstrate that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better, an initiative titled Earth Hour calls on individuals and businesses around the world, to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday March 29, 2008 between 8 and 9 pm. Earth Hour is run by WWF, the conservation organisation. Last year more than 2 million Sydney residents joined Earth Hour by flicking the switch, turning appliances off stand-by and enjoying an hour of quiet darkness.

Some frequently asked questions and answers about Earth Hour…

What are the key objectives of Earth Hour?
There are two key objectives for Earth Hour. The first is to engage as many households, communities and business to turn their lights out for one hour on March 29, 2008 between 8 and 9 pm. The intent is for the event to be adopted by other residents, communities, businesses and governments around the world so they too can help demonstrate that individual action on a mass scale can help change our planet for the better. The event itself will clearly demonstrate in participating cities, the connection between energy usage and climate change, showing that we as a broader community can address the biggest threat our planet has ever faced.

Why do we need to act?
Global warming is now the greatest threat the world has ever faced. Our continued reliance on electricity sourced from coal-fired power stations is causing a dramatic increase in the Earth’s temperature, resulting in rising sea levels, an increase in drought and severe storms, and massive changes to the environments we all rely on to survive. There is still time to change how our planet will look in the future. If we act now. For example, if all Australian households simply turned off unused lights and appliances on standby at the power point Australia’s emissions would be reduced by at least 5 million tonnes per annum. The greenhouse gas savings would be equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road for a year.

What do I need to do on the night?
The most important thing to do on the night is turn off your lights between 8 pm and 9 pm. There will also be events held on the night, check back later for event updates.

Does this mean I have to turn of everything in my home and use absolutely no electricity?
Not at all. The main point of this campaign is to show people and companies how easy it is to take action to avoid global warming. This does not mean you have to turn off your fridge, but we do encourage you to join us by switching off your lights and make a statement, as well as changing your habits in the long term.

Where is Earth Hour taking place?
In 2008 Earth Hour will be taking place in over 20 cities around the world, and the list keeps growing. To start this process the first Earth Hour focused on one of Australia’s, and the world’s iconic cities, Sydney. Thanks to the support of Earth Hour in 2007 other cities, both in Australia and internationally, have been asked join. And the campaign would be delighted if you can join by turning off your lights for Earth Hour, regardless of where you live.

How can businesses participate?
In Australia, if the commercial sector turned off lights when buildings weren’t in use and combined this action with other cost effective technology they could reduce lighting emissions by 70-80%. We encourage all businesses to participate in Earth Hour — to commit to turning off your lights during Earth Hour — and to tell your employees and customers that you’re taking part. We also encourage you to sign up to energy efficiency initiatives such as the 3CBDs Greenhouse Initiative to help achieve our goal of reducing emissions in your city or town in 2008.

Isn’t switching the lights off dangerous? What about public safety?
People have been asked to turn off the nonessential lights for one hour — no lights that affect public safety will be turned off. The organisers want everyone to enjoy Earth Hour in a safe and energy efficient environment.

If everyone turns their lights back on at the same time — will there be a power surge?
No. Energy companies and authorities say that turning all the lights back on won’t cause any issues.

How much CO2 will be saved during the event?
Last year we measured how much energy saved during Earth Hour in Sydney and achieved a reduction of 10.2 per cent (more than doubled our target of 5 per cent). But the main aim of the campaign is to continue to be energy efficient beyond Earth Hour, making small actions everyday to achieve our goal in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions in 2008.

What about after the event? What can I do then?
We all can take action everyday to help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. There are two key objectives for Earth Hour. The first is to engage as many households, communities and business to turn their lights for one hour on March 29. By creating awareness and securing engagement of the broader community, the second objective is to measure the change in our greenhouse gas emissions over the following 12 months – aiming for a reduction in the year following Earth Hour

What candles should one use for the Earth Hour event?
If you plan on burning candles during Earth Hour, make sure you use 100 per cent beeswax candles which are gentler on our planet – smoke free, non-toxic and non-allergenic. They are also made of natural products, not petroleum-based materials, so they are effectively carbon neutral (the CO2 they emit has already been taken from the atmosphere to produce the wax).
If you’re using candles, though, make sure you take care. Here are some tips:



Candles should only be used under adult supervision.

Candles should never be left unattended.

Candles should be kept away from children and pets.

Extinguish candles before going to sleep.

Keep candles away from flammable liquids and gas-combustible materials.

Candles should be kept clear of any combustible materials such as paper, curtains, clothing and Christmas decorations.

Candles should not be placed in windows as they can be blown over. Blinds and curtains can also catch alight.

Candles should be placed on a stable, dry, heat-resistant surface away from drafts.

They also provide this handy downloadable guide: Candles and lighters: Safety for kids in the home

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