On Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 8:30 pm, the world will turn off its lights for just one hour – Earth Hour – to show it’s possible to take action on climate change.

Switching off your lights is just one simple action that you can take to help make a difference and it sends a powerful message that we care about our planet.
Last year, Earth Hour was a huge success with over 4,600 cities, hundreds of landmarks and millions of people participating! In Canada more than half the adult population participated – over 10 million – in over 270 Canadian cities.

This year, the City of Nanaimo is continuing its support for raising awareness about what all of us can do, no matter how small, in saving energy and lowering greenhouse gas emissions in our community. Our everyday actions, like turning off unnecessary lights, add up to make a big difference. Individual action is also important because it sends a strong signal to business and government that Canadians want leadership from them too.

The City of Nanaimo will be participating in Earth Hour by challenging City staff to reduce energy consumption as much as possible during WWF Earth Hour on Saturday evening. Lights will be dimmed at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre and the City Hall. Ornamental lights will be turned off at Maffeo Sutton Park, reminders will be sent to staff to participate at home and work, etc.

What can you do to make Earth Hour happen in Nanaimo?

1. Sign up / Build a Team
   Put together a small team of committed people and organizations to help plan how you can turn off the lights for one hour in your home or workplace.
2. Spread the Word about Earth Hour Check out our downloads section at wwf.ca/earthhour
3. Make every hour Earth Hour – Consider what else can be done within your home and workplace to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information on the City’s Earth Hour events and how to participate, contact either Bruce Joiner, Energy Manager or Rob Lawrance, Environmental Planner.
You can also go to BC Hydro Earth Hour link.