The Biofriendly Idea Behind Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2011 is being held, Saturday March 26th at 8:30pm. Millions of people across the globe will be turning off their lights for an hour to show their support in making a stand against climate change. But is there really a biofriendly reason behind Earth Hour or is it simply a gimmick to get people to “protest” climate change?

Well, some people would say it’s more of a gimmick or something done strictly for publicity sake. I mean, why bother turning off your lights for just one hour? What kind of real difference is that going to make? People are probably going to go back to their usual habits the next day anyway, aren’t they?

However there are those who believe that getting the message out about climate change, and how individuals can combat climate change, is what Earth Hour is all about. For those people, Earth Hour is simply the chosen time when millions of people from countries around the world join together as one to show their combined support.

Personally, I think it could be a little of both. But, I do feel those who fail to take the time to learn about the purpose and history of Earth Hour are actually missing out. Earthhour.org explains it well when they say:

“Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness of sustainability issues. But there’s more to it than switching off lights for one hour once a year. It’s all about giving people a voice and working together to create a better future for our planet.”

So whether or not you believe in climate change or are even concerned about it, you need to ask yourself…What kind of condition do you want to leave this planet in for your children and grandchildren? The biofriendly idea behind Earth Hour is all about doing something of benefit to the planet. Taking steps, no matter how big or how small, to prolong the survival of Earth as we know it.

With that in mind, it’s clear that Earth Hour is much more than one symbolic hour. It’s all about people going beyond the hour, taking the extra step to make a change in their life.

Consider Earth Hour your next step in making a difference. Then follow that up with further steps, including but not limited to the following:

1) If you’re truly interested in cleaning up and preserving the planet, then there should be no more global warming, just global cleaning.

2) Practice water save techniques. Conserving water is something every one of us can do. And remember, while you may have easy 24-hour access to water, not everyone in the world does.

3) Start growing some of your own food. There’s no better way to ensure you are eating organic food than to grow it yourself. Additionally, growing your own food is something you can do to combat rising food prices.

4) With gas prices on the rise, many people are looking at ways they can cut down on their gasoline consumption. Of course, getting an electric or hybrid vehicle would help. Using a proven fuel additive helps increase fuel efficiency and lower emissions too. Then there is carpooling, car-sharing, public transportation, etc. Whatever option fits you best is something you can do to lessen your pain at the pump. Please remember to keep these 10 Not So Biofriendly Motorist Mistakes in mind as well.

When it all comes down to it, instead of celebrating Earth Hour because everyone else is, go “Beyond the Hour” and decide what action(s) you are going to take to combat climate change and make the world a more biofriendly place to live.