Bonnette urges Halton Hills community to participate in Earth Hour

Annual event to run from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 30

Theifp.ca
March 25, 2019

Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette is encouraging the community to do their part during Earth Hour on Saturday, March 30.

“Halton Hills is committed to taking positive actions that protect and enhance our environmental health,” said Bonnette. “I am asking residents and businesses to join me from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. by turning off unnecessary lights and electronics for one hour.”

This year, the Earth Hour organization is focused on sparking unique conversations on the loss of natural elements and why nature matters.

The Town of Halton Hills will once again take part in Earth Hour, marking the 11th year of participation and measuring energy usage -- to date, the municipality has saved enough electricity to power approximately 28,146 homes for one hour.

“By participating in Earth Hour, we are showing our commitment to the environment and drawing attention to wildlife loss in Canada and around the world due to climate change,” noted Bonnette.

The municipality has a variety of suggestions on how residents, educators and business owners can participate in Earth Hour.

For residents:

• Share ideas for energy reduction with friends and neighbours;

• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics;

• Enjoy a candlelit dinner with family and friends;

• Read a book by flashlight or play a game with family;

• Host an Earth Hour party with neighbours; and

• Donate to an organization that focuses on environmental protection.

• For educators:

• Organize a mini-Earth Hour in class the day before Earth Hour;

• Discuss the importance of reducing energy with students, protecting wildlife and what they can do to reduce climate change;

• Sign a pledge and draw a picture of their Earth Hour activities; and

• Show the Earth Hour video.

• For business owners:

• Turn off or dim non-essential lighting and electronics, without compromising safety and security;

• Promote Earth Hour to staff and clients;

• Turn down the thermostat and review ways to reduce energy use year-round; and

• Show support for environmental groups or partner with them to support positive actions that nurture the environment.

For more information on Earth Hour, visit www.earthhour.org or www.Connect2Earth.org