Halton Hills Mayor Encouraging Residents to Participate in Earth Hour

Inhalton.com
March 28, 2019
Paige Petrovsky

Earth Hour initially started as a lights out event in Sydney, Australia back in 2007; however, now it is recognized as the largest grassroots movement for the environment in the world.

And this year, Earth Hour is taking place on March 30 - this upcoming weekend.

With Earth Hour quickly approaching, Halton Hills MayorRick Bonnette is encouraging residents to participate.

"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," Bonnette said in a press release.

This year marks the 11th year Halton Hills has participated in Earth Hour. As a result, the town has saved enough electricity to power around 28,146 homes for one hour.

Participating in Earth Hour is one way residents in Halton Hills (and the Halton Region in general) can showcase their commitment to the environment.

"Halton Hills is committed to taking positive actions that protect and enhance our environmental health," Bonnette said in the release. "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."

According to the release, this year the Earth Hour organization is committed to sparking conversations surrounding the loss of natural elements and 'why nature matters'.

Here, according to the release, are some ways residents, business owners, and educators in Halton can participate in Earth Hour.

For Residents:

• Share ideas for energy reduction with friends and neighbours.
• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
• Appreciate 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.
• Donate to an organization that focuses on environmental protection.

For Business Owners:

• Turn off or dim non-essential lighting and electronics.

• Promote Earth Hour to staff and clients.
• Turn down the thermostat
• Show support for environmental groups or partner with them to support positive actions that nurture our environment.

For Educators:

• Organize a mini-Earth Hour in class the day before Earth Hour.
• Talk about the importance of reducing energy with students, protecting wildlife and what they can do to reduce climate change.
• Sign a pledge and encourage students to draw a picture of their Earth Hour activities.