As the largest global movement in defence of our planet, Earth Hour has been bringing people together since 2007 to show their commitment to saving the environment we live in. It paved the way for the groundbreaking Paris climate agreement and has become a worldwide symbol of environmental awareness, consciousness and participation.
Last year, a total of 188 countries took part while major city landmarks from the Eiffel Tower to our very own Petronas Twin Towers went dark for an hour. Online, more than 2 billion impressions lit up through hashtags like #EarthHour and #Connect2Earth as people around the world voiced their concerns and shared their support.
With the increasing loss of biodiversity and nature, the need for global action is more important than ever. While turning off your lights may not seem like much, it’s the first step in showing that we’re serious about our natural world and our future. Nature is, after all, the foundation of a healthy planet, our life support system and our most powerful ally against the ever-increasing challenge of climate change.
Earth Hour 2020 is mobilising millions to join in on the ground and online through Voice For The Planet to call for action to “safeguard nature and set it on a path towards recovery by 2030”. These signatures will later be presented at global forums like the UN General Assembly to help pledge a new deal to address the environmental decline.
There’s strength in numbers, and together we can come together to move decision-makers to implement that change. Among its past achievements, the movement has helped push a law that will ban the use of plastic bags and single-use plastics in Ecuador, initiated the planting of 20,000 mangrove seedlings in 13 Indonesian cities and created a 2,700-hectare Earth Hour forest in Uganda. So turn off your lights, light up your candles and show your support. While there’ll be events around Malaysia to participate in, here are some other things you can do during Earth Hour to make a difference – big or small.
1. Host a potluck dinner party to reduce food waste
Invite round your friends and family and enjoy each other’s company over good food and drinks in a candle-lit setting. The only rule: bring a homecooked dish made from whatever’s available in your kitchen. And make sure no leftovers are left behind.
2. Enjoy nature
What better way to join Earth Hour than celebrate Planet Earth itself? It’s also a good way to get off the nonstop buzz of social media and just enjoy being in the present. Step out for a nature walk and relish in the natural environment. For those with canine companions, think of it as an added bonding session.
3. Pamper yourself with a sustainable home spa
Take care of the planet and yourself by setting up your very own home spa experience. Light up a consciously-crafted candle, play some relaxing tunes and put on an eco-friendly face mask. Don’t know where to start? Here are some green beauty brands to kickstart your treatment. Finish off with a spritz of rosewater for that extra glow when the lights come back on.
4. Meditate
Turn off all devices that require electricity (yes, even your iPhone) and find inner peace in the quiet. Put on some aromatherapy, get into a comfortable seated position and empty your mind. You’ll find yourself refreshed and ready to take on the world on the other side of the hour.
5. Indulge in homemade skinfood
Nourish your skin with DIY remedies provided by Mother Nature. Good enough to eat, the ingredients are easy to find and easier to make! Zero chemicals involved here. These are active ingredients for your skin in their purest form so you can thank your body for working hard.
6. Host a conversation-inducing game night
Gather a few friends for some good old fashioned games and conversation over candles. You know, what we used to do back in the day before the textspeak, GIFs and emojis? Connect with one another by breaking out the scrabble and cards or try this word-matching game that celebrates our Malaysian-ness!
7. Sweat it out in the dark
With the AC off, make use of the warm weather and break out a sweat with a “hot yoga” routine. After all, it’s been scientifically proven that yoga helps to lower stress levels, increase flexibility and improve your overall mood. So get those poses going in the comfort of your home and prepare yourself for some quality slumber afterwards.
For more information on Earth Hour, visit the website.
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