Earth Hour 2012

I went to Earth Hour at the Distillery District this past Saturday (March 31st). It's an annual event that's held in many cities around the world. For a one hour period participants are supposed to turn all their lights off to promote climate change awareness.

I've attended the event here in Toronto a few times. It seems like the venue is getting smaller each time. In 2008 it was held at Nathan Phillips Square at Toronto City Hall. In 2010 they downsized to Yonge-Dundas Square. And now, in 2012, they've shrunk it again. And, no disrespect to the performer, Andrew Huang, but I've never heard of him before.

I walked down and back. It made more sense than driving. I figure that would have left a larger carbon footprint than leaving all my lights on for an hour at my condo. I supposed I could have taken the TTC, but I didn't. According to Google maps the trek was 8.2 kms each way. Not bad, eh?

After the event I hung around a little longer and took some more pictures around the area. You can see them on my Flickr.com page.

I noticed the city did look darker on my way walking back up Yonge Street. I was encouraged by that. Even though it looks like interest in the event is waning enough people and businesses still showed spirit and shut their lights off. I heard on the news that usage was down compared to last year, so that's good.

Comments about Earth Hour

Nathan Philips Square - Earth Hour 2009

I was on the 680 News website reading an item about Earth Hour. There were some reader comments (particularly the first one) that made no sense to me at all. I'll post them here -

I still don't see how one day changes anything .. I still have to pay exorbitant Hydro bills - so like whatevs! In fact I'll be turning on all my lights and so are a few of my neighbors actually - so in your face Earth Day!

• Josh

• Mar 22, 2011 5:06 PM

lets all participate

A good way to past the time for the hour with no lights is flashlight tag with your kids

• Ben

• Mar 22, 2011 12:26 PM

I'm In!

Funny thing is that I bet more than 10% of RESIDENTIAL homes participated. Its the business' that eat up our power but its the residential homes that have to pay for it!

• Alex

• Mar 22, 2011 12:06 PM

dangerous

This event sounds dangerous, I’ll just leave my lights on thank you.

• Stevie

• Mar 22, 2011 12:02 PM

I think some of the people have the wrong idea about Earth Hour. It's not about them and saving them money, but about benefitting our community as a whole. The idea is to raise awareness about energy conservation to help reduce the damage we're doing to our planet. It's a symbolic gesture to remind us of that.

Hopefully we'll continue to look for ways to cut down on usage on an ongoing basis, not just for one day. And we shouldn't just look to cut back on Hydro usage, but on all non-renewable resources. For instance, walk 20 minutes to the corner store to pick up a carton of milk instead of driving. We all have to play our part if we want to leave this planet in livable conditions for future generations.