Earth Hour 2011

This was our family's very first year to participate  in Earth Hour.  I planned some unplugged activities for our family to participate, from day to night time.  We spent the day just like any other weekend (mostly outside the house and minimizing electricity usage because we unplugged all the appliances except the fridge and ricewarmer).

We had brunch at the Innaloo Shopping Centre because we need to sign a new contract for our mobile phones account at Optus Counter, then we went for a walk at the Kings Park and playing a bit at Jolimont Park, and then attend the afternoon mass at St Joseph Subiaco. Then we went home for dinner and then going out again, this time to the foreshore of South Perth, to capture images of Perth CBD during the Earth Hour.

From its debut in one city in one country in 2007 - Sydney, Australia – 2.2 million individuals turned their lights off to take a stand against climate change, Earth Hour has become a truly global movement, embracing 128 countries and territories in 2010. At 8.30pm on Saturday March 26th, 2011 millions of people around the world (glad we're one of them) will turn out the lights for Earth Hour. This awareness movement is intended to get people talking about the importance of reducing human impact on the Earth. 

We met some people at the Mill Point foreshore. Some had picnic, some of them walks their dogs, some guys fishing at the Swan River, some of them took pictures just like us. We saw some boat and ferries crossing the river. There are partying people on the (chartered) ferry, some just cruising in the dark. Yes it was dark in the foreshore Mill Point because the lights of Kwinana Bridge was off, only dimmed lights from the street and passing cars and train that crossing the bridge.

The CBD during The Earth Hour

Noelle did not seem bored during Earth Hour, she was busily pointing at the sky and said "Stars" and dancing and jumping. I saw the Ursa Minor Constelation and pointed to her. It looked so clear because of minimal lights from the city. Then we (read as ME) sang "Twinkle Twinkle", and theme song of "In The Night Garden" show which says "The night is black, and the stars are bright and the sea is dark and deep".. It was her favourite lullaby, and she doodle on her palm just like in the show. 

We got several pictures, before, during and after the Earth Hour. Most buildings turned off their name sign, including Perth landmarks like Bell Tower and Supreme Court Building. 

The CBD after the Earth Hour

Some people said, Earth Hour is useless, will not make a difference. But I turn off our lights for one hour, as a vote for our planet against global warming.  Despite how you feel about the politically-charged issue of global warming, I am convinced energy conservation is a good thing for our planet, our society, and our personal economies. Earth Hour also provides an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy one of my favorite frugal ideas.

Our Earth Hour was fun, it was cheap but meaningful because I got some quality time with my family. I am determined to do this annually, and as often as we can to saving the energy. I also wanted Noelle to understand what we were doing and why it is important for us to participate in Earth Hour. 

Save the Earth. Together we can.