Will celebrating Earth Hour 2021 make a difference?
The country of Australia thought so when they began Earth Hour in 2007. Last year over 135 countries participated in this now global effort to save the environment. I bet most of you are still wondering what exactly is “Earth Hour?” From 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday March 27th, you are encouraged to be more electricity conscious. Turn off every light that is non-essential. Unplug whatever you can (although the refrigerator is not exactly recommended 🙂 ) Gather with friends and family to discuss ways that we can all be more environmentally aware. Learn about the effects of global warming and how to thwart that process.
But wait ….
You might be thinking, I already do my part. How can I really do more? All of this seems like another item to check off the list. What difference can a person really make in an hour? Surprisingly, a lot.
According to the site energy use calculator , this is the amount of power that these common household products use per hour:
- Dishwasher: 1800 watts
- Clothes dryer: 3000 watts
- Central air conditioner: 3500 watts
- Electric furnace: 18000 watts
By hand washing your dishes and hanging your clothes out to dry on a line, you can save 4800 watts per hour. Use ceiling fans (at 75 watts per hour) for as long as possible each year. Not using the air conditioner and furnace can save 23,500 watts of power PER hour. Look at what a difference just one hour can make.
Conveying the importance of being more energy conscious to your family and friends can seem like a chore. But if you follow some of these creative ideas, “Earth Hour” can become a celebratory one.
- Dine by candlelight. How often do you have an excuse to plan a more formal meal at home? Actually use your cloth napkins. Linger over a meal, then enjoy cleaning up together. After all, china provides the perfect excuse for avoiding using the dishwasher for one evening.
- Play a board game together rather than video games.
- Enjoy being crafty together. Create animal puppets. Plan a project honoring farmers. These type of activities remind us why protecting the globe is so important.
- Go for an evening stroll around your neighborhood and ask other community members what they do to make a positive difference in the environment.
- Organize group games such as “Hide and Sneak” or “Sardines.” These fun ideas found on the Earth Hour website can help remind kids that they can have fun together without involving technology.
For additional great ideas, please check out my Earth Hour Celebrations Pinterest page.
The Norwex Movement is a way you can learn what issues the globe is facing and how you can help. From special product offers to donation options, you can find out how you can be a part of this global effort. By following the Norwex Movement’s blog, you can learn how to be even more environmentally conscious. If you choose to participate in an “Earth Hour” celebrations, please share your photos from that day on Instagram using these hashtags: #NorwexEarthHour and #NorwexOneLess.
P.S. In honor of this worldwide event, top chefs in Australia have contributed 52 recipes into a volume entitled, From Planet to Plate: The Earth Hour Cookbook. Unfortunately you can only get the title in Australia. So if you have always looked for an excuse to go “Down Under,” now you have one. 🙂
Happy Earth Hour!!
~Suzanne
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