NATIONAL REPORT—Earth Hour is scheduled for Saturday, March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. local time. It is a lights-off event organized by WWF that now has the participation of individuals and groups in almost 180 countries. Earth Hour was started as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia in 2007. Lights will be dimmed in homes, offices, hotels and landmarks as a reminder to work toward greater efficiency, a sustainable future and to slow and stop man’s impact on climate change.
The Earth Hour website features a “How Your Hotel Can Join the Earth Hour Movement” guide. It includes Earth Hour activity suggestions including discounted drinks and Earth Hour themed cocktails, lantern-making classes for kids, the opportunity to dine by candlelight, and creating a pledge board in the lobby for guests to record their actions. Earth Hour can also be used as a fundraising opportunity to support an environmental effort.
The Earth Hour organization has launched a program called “Just One.” It has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the hotel industry. Just One will engage guests year-round to create positive change for the planet both in their backyard and around the world.
If your property or company is planning to participate in Earth Hour this year, contact Glenn Hasek, Editor of Green Lodging News, at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
