Of course, there is good reason—the pandemic—but this was the first year I did not hear from any public relations representative or anyone else about their plans for Earth Hour which took place on Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m. local time. This past week I did run across a few press releases, however, detailing Earth Hour activities that took place. None of the releases were about U.S. properties.
1. In Sanya, China, Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort Sheraton Sanya Haitang Bay Resort participated by dimming or turning off non-essential interior lighting, children activities were planned, a band performed in the moonlight, there was a donation activity and the resort used a guest letter to inform guests about Earth Hour observances.
2. Sands China properties turned off their exterior lights and non-essential indoor lights for one hour. For 13 years now, Sands China Ltd. has joined businesses and individuals around the world to support the well-established global event. All Sands China properties took part in the lights-off activity: Sands Macao; The Venetian Macao; The Plaza Macao featuring Four Seasons; The Parisian Macao; and The Londoner Macao featuring The Londoner Hotel, St. Regis, Conrad, and Sheraton. In addition to its yearly participation, Sands China has been taking the initiative for several years to observe Earth Hour on a monthly basis, switching off properties’ exterior lights, signage and marquees for one hour on the first Tuesday of each month—greatly multiplying the positive effects of the energy-saving endeavor.
“Eco-consciousness is at the core of Sands China’s guiding principles for doing business, as a part of not just the Macao local community, but the global community too,” said Sean McCreery, Senior Vice president of Resort Operations for Sands China Ltd. “Earth Hour is a fantastic initiative and we are proud to be a long-time supporter. And our thanks go to our team members for always supporting our efforts to encourage sustainability each day at work and at home with our families.”
3. This year, Bellevue Bohol organized 60KM for 60+, a Cycling and Tree Growing Event as part of its beyond-the-hour participation in partnership with the Department of Tourism, Provincial Government of Bohol led by Governor Arthur C. Yap, LGU Panglao and Dauis, Globe Telecom and Clean Code. The resort strictly implemented its health and safety measures throughout the event to ensure everyone’s safety.
Since its opening in 2013, the luxury and eco-friendly resort has been participating in Earth Hour for its eighth consecutive year in efforts to reduce its industrial footprint and highlight the importance of playing an active role in protecting the environment in Bohol.
A 1,000 trees planting initiative for a greener Bohol was also achieved during the event with the help of 119 dedicated volunteers including bikers, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bohol Environment Management Office and the Provincial Youth Development Office.
