24 March 2009
This coming Saturday night March 28, cities and communities all over the world will be switching off their lights at 8.30 pm as a way of highlighting the issues around climate change. Organisers hope to reach one billion people in 1000 cities, where lights and electrical appliances will be turned off to support action to address climate change.
Residents and visitors of Tasman are being encouraged to participate in Earth Hour and to ‘get thinking’ about climate change and the impact it is having on the world, and on our region.
“Every minute, of every hour, of every day, we can do little things to change the future,” fashion designer Karen Walker said at the national launch of Earth Hour.
Rob Francis, Tasman District Council Environmental Education Officer said: ‘’However you want to mark it, Earth Hour is a great way for families and communities to take action to address climate change, and to plan to be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem!”
Actions on the night could include:
• Turning off appliances
• Take appliances off standby
• Play acoustic ‘unplugged’ music together
• If you need to go somewhere, try not to use the car
• Read additional information on the Earth Hour website about how different people around the world are being affected by climate change www.earthhour.org/newzealand
• Use this time as an opportunity to discuss the issues, and plan some positive action together
• Or – just take time out to relax and enjoy being away from television, radio, the computer and the playstation!
Some of the Earth Hour events around the region include:
• Giveaway of free low energy light bulbs courtesy of Energymad and the Electricity Commission, for Tasman and Nelson households. In the Tasman District, the bulbs will be available from Thursday 26 March from Richmond, Motueka, Takaka and Murchison Council offices and libraries. There is a limit of two per household, while stocks last.
• Network Tasman Trust will be measuring power use during Earth Hour and publishing results later that evening on the website: www.networktasman.co.nz/Main.asp?ID=7
• Locally, anyone who takes part in Earth Hour can go in a draw to win a candlelit dinner for two at two of our local award winning restaurants – Hopgoods in Nelson or Bouterey’s at 251 in Richmond (conditions apply). E-mail details of what you plan to do for Earth Hour (a maximum of 200 words) to karen.lee@ncc.govt.nz to be in to win.
• At the Mapua Boat Club there will be a screening of the movie Solar Energy: Saved by the Sun, followed by the “switch off” and illumination by solar lights of the Mapua Wharf for Earth Hour. Bring you own drink, tea coffee and nibbles provided. Koha on entry.
Just a reminder that while the Tasman District Council is supporting Earth Hour, they do not want anyone to be unsafe. Please check all health and safety aspects before undertaking any action in relation to this event.
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