The Town of Halton Hills will once again join other communities in Canada and around the world in participating in Earth Hour by turning off unnecessary lights, reducing energy use and taking action to help address climate change.
The objective of Earth Hour is to bring awareness to global warming and environmental protection. Earth Hour is not just about turning the lights off for an hour. Rather, it is a high-profile opportunity to promote year-round energy conservation and other actions to benefit the planet throughout the year.
Earth Hour 2013 will be celebrated on Saturday, March 23, between 8:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Earth Hour participation is voluntary, fun and informative.
Last year more than 7,000 cities and towns in 152 countries and territories worldwide switched off their lights to participate in the largest climate campaign ever. Over the past five years, the Town has saved enough electricity to power a total of about 17,200 homes for one hour. This has been accomplished through extensive and successful community engagement of numerous local businesses, residents, Town staff and schools.
Speaking about Earth Hour, Mayor Rick Bonnette said, “We are celebrating the fifth year in which we take practical steps to help make Earth Hour a success. Building on our many successes over the past five years, the Town will join other communities around the world in recognizing the need to take local action against climate change.
“Once again, I encourage our residents, businesses and community organizations to help make Earth Hour a success. Your participation will help implement the Town’s Green Plan and continue to our community towards a more sustainable future with an even higher quality of life.”
This year, in support of Earth Hour, the Town will:
• Host a free family star gazing event in partnership with Gardiner Public School and Halton Hills Hydro. Cosmic Connections will present a fun, energetic, interactive and informative astronomy presentation! In the past, this event was very popular with the community. Pre-registration is required due to limited space.
• Conserve energy by turning off all non-essential lights at all Town facilities during Earth Hour, without jeopardizing public safety and security, and interrupting regular service.
• Engage the business community to participate by promoting Earth Hour to their employees and customers. Watch for Town staff as they visit your business to explore Earth Hour participation opportunities.
• Engage local schools to encourage them to sign posters to show their commitment to climate change by turning off unnecessary lights during Earth Hour.
For more information on the Town’s participation in Earth Hour and to register for the star gazing community event, please contact Jennifer Spence (Office of Sustainability) in the Planning, Development & Sustainability Department, 905-873-2601 ext. 2290 or email@example.com.