Celebrate Earth Hour: Things to do in the dark

No, it’s not another blackout, but you’re sure to notice a different in the skyline if you’re in one of 200+ cities and towns in Canada participating in this year’s Earth Hour. From 8:30 – 9:30 pm this March 23, 2012 communities all around the world will be turning out the lights to raise awareness about climate change — and motivate families and businesses to do something about it.

The event started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 when more than two million homes and businesses turned off unnecessary lights for an hour to make a dramatic statement about saving energy. In 2008, the event went global and more than 50 million people across dozens of countries powering down for the hour. Every year the event gets even bigger, with 128 countries participating in 2010, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

The idea is to turn off any non-essential lights, appliances and electronics for an hour. Total darkness isn’t part of the plan. Essentials like street lights, traffic lights, night lights and flashlights are allowed and even encouraged, and the organization advises participants to exercise their common sense when it comes to safety. Many cities hold community events, and turn off the power at major landmarks as a statement.

So what can you do without using electricity? We’ve got some ideas:

Go for a walk. Part of the fun of Earth Hour is watching the lights go out. Take a leisurely walk around your neighbourhood, or head to the business areas or downtown core to watch the lights fade. Many people gather at landmarks — whether internationally or locally famous — to watch them disappear into darkness.

If you’re looking for some company, keep an eye out for neighbourhood tours and walks at your local parks and trails. (Hot chocolate and roasted marshmallows are often part of the deal).

Enjoy a romantic evening in. A candlelight bath, massage, picnic under the stars… Need we say more? According to a survey conducted by Virgin Mobile in 2008, “getting close” was one of the top five things Canadians planned to do during past Earth Hour times.

Sample food and wine. Experts note that sight is our dominant sense. Let your other senses take over by hosting a tasting event — like wine, beer, chocolate, gourmet foods and dessert. Focus on the aroma, the texture and the taste. Anything en flambé will look particularly impressive in dim light (provided everyone involved takes the appropriate precautions).

Host a games night. Play word and picture games with glow in the dark markers, or use some environmentally-friendly lighting. If you’ve got a solar-powered or hand-cranked lantern or flashlight, now’s the time to bring it out for some board games or a card sharks’ tournament. (If seeing in dim light isn’t your strong suit, partner up with someone with sharp eyes for a team game.)

Attend an outdoor event. You didn’t think your community was just going to sit around in the dark, did you? There’s a lot going on like candlelight concerts, outdoor entertainment, marshmallow roasts, candlelight vigils and street parties. Check your community’s local events listings to see what’s happening in your area. Many of the events are free or nearly free.

Meditate. Shut off all the distractions and take the time to meditate, pray or reflect. Watch for events at churches and places of worship that offer quiet time in the sanctuary (many offer family-friendly events in other parts of the building too).

Get physical. Add another hour to your fitness routine this week. Many gyms and studios are offering special classes by candlelight. Take the opportunity to try something new, like yoga or stretching.

Get involved. The whole point of Earth Hour is awareness, so now is a good time to educate your family members, coworkers and friends about how to save energy and live a greener lifestyle. Go on a hunt throughout your house and look for energy wasters, or get kids involved in starting seedlings for the garden this year. Plant a tree in your backyard, or change the light bulbs around the house.

At work, encourage your company to take energy-saving steps (it’s good for the bottom line too) and participate in Earth Hour.

If you’re a blogger, the Earth Hour website even has a Blogger Toolkit to help get you started. This kit and other promotional materials are available through their Tools and Downloads page. If you’re into social networking, you’ll find Earth Hour in Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube, Flickr and Bebo.