There is no better time to help improve the environment than right now. Not sure where to start? Think it will be too difficult? You can start by joining in on Earth Hour this Saturday with one simple task: Turn your lights off for one hour.

What’s Earth Hour? The WWF started Earth Hour in Australia in 2007 with a symbolic lights-out event. The movement has since expanded to be a global event, held in more than 180 countries and territories every year on the last Saturday of March. Great Parks is taking part this year by turning off non-essential lights at Winton Woods and Lake Isabella.

Want get involved in Earth Hour and continue to help the environment from home? Here are three ways you can help improve your energy use and be a part of Earth Hour on March 27.

1. Turn off your lights

This is the core of Earth Hour. Switch off non-essential lights for one hour on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 8:30 p.m. local time. Encourage your neighbors, friends and family to turn off their lights too. Turning off the lights at night can help save trees, coal, natural gas, among other resources.

With lights off for an hour, there’s less light pollution. Less light pollution means it’s a great time to stargaze! Download the below star chart to see what stars you can view that hour and learn some fun star facts. It’s set to be a clear evening, so the less lights on, the better the stargazing opportunites!

But you don’t have to stop at one hour. Turn off the lights when you’re leaving any room for 15 minutes or more. Turning off ceiling lights and switching to desk lamps or task lighting can go a long way too.

2. Unplug unused electronics

This is something many of us are guilty of. Living in a modern age with countless electronics used on a daily basis, it can be hard to keep track of what’s plugged in and what isn’t. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of the electricity used to power home appliances is consumed when they are turned off.

How can you help? Unplug appliances and electronics when they aren’t in use or use the switch on a power strip to cut the power off.

3. Lower your water usage

Whether you’re washing dishes, brushing your teeth or even giving your furry friend a bath, we rely on water for many things. But sometimes, with all that water running, it can be wasteful.

Simple things like turning the water off while brushing your teeth or shortening shower time can help reduce water consumption. According to Boston University, an average shower uses about 5 gallons of water per minute. If you shorten your shower by just 2 minutes, you can cut your water use by 10 gallons.

---

Small actions can make a big difference. Turning off the lights and unplugging for an hour is the perfect way to start giving back to the environment.

—
Caroline Wiita
Content Marketing Coordinator