On Saturday, March 31, at 8 p.m., people all around the world will be observing an hour of darkness. This is not a religious or spiritual ritual, but rather an intentional hour where you are not using electricity for lighting. You can light candles or use flashlights, or better yet, do some stargazing with the family.
World Wildlife Fund’s Earth Hour is catching on across many parts of the world, including here in North America, following the tremendous success of last year’s event which began in Sydney, Australia. This global phenomenon will spread across six continents in 2008, including hundreds of communities in the United States. Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta, San Francisco, Toronto, Brisbane, Dublin, Bangkok, and other cities around the globe are intentionally trying to reduce the electricity load for one hour on one night—and to think more “globally” about energy.
The goal of Earth Hour is to promote awareness of our energy usage and take small steps to make a difference. As the Chinese proverb states, “The journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step.” The small steps that each person takes to reduce energy usage will add up and make a difference.
In Harvard, many people are now becoming aware of the Low Carbon Diet program (www.empowermentinstitute.net/lcd/) promoted by Harvard Local, a chapter of the Massachusetts Climate Action Network. The LCD program outlines many ways to reduce energy usage, including:
- Turn off outside lights at night once everyone gets home vs. when you go to bed.
- Line dry or hang dry your laundry (This could also save you $200 to $500 per year.)
- Buy a power strip for shutting off your computer, speakers, and printer when you shut your computer off.
- Unplug equipment not in use. For example, an electric keyboard or a CD player can draw a lot of energy when not in use.
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater
- Insulate your attic
- Sign up for a home energy audit (National Grid customers call 1-800-632-8300).
Eric Broadbent
Oak Hill Road
