Let me first put Earth Hour in an historical context first. For one hour on 31 Mar 2007, the Australian city of Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming -- coal-fired electricity -- by having about 2.2 million residents and 2,100 business establishments turned off their lights. Reportedly, there was a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as a one-city stand against global warming has become a world-wide movement.
Today, some 24 cities around the world will be participating in Earth Hour at 8pm local time. Participation is purely voluntary, though. No compulsion is placed on anybody or any business. The simple steps that anyone can make include businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty and households turning off appliances instead of leaving them on standby. Simple changes that collectively makes a difference.
Though there was very little awareness in Penang, I knew about Earth Hour and my family decided that the most effect way to contribute was to go out and eat the mass-produced, pre-prepared economy rice at the food centre. This entailed no using of energy resources in the house - no gas to do any cooking, no water to do any washing up, no electricity to light up the home. We went out to eat and safe for an energy-saving bulb above the family altar, the whole of the house was in darkness.
That's our small contribution to Earth Hour. How about you?
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