On the Hour in Finland

Last Saturday, Earth Hour was observed around the world, including in Finland. Below is a video of various places in Finland going dark. I really like the shot where the Helsinki Cathedral lights are switched off, leaving the beautiful building in silhouette at twilight.

Hourly Reminder

Just a reminder: Earth Hour is tomorrow at 8:30 p.m. wherever you are. People will be switching off their lights when the clock strikes 8:30 in their respective time zones.

My plans to go "beyond the hour" include unplugging my computer and keeping it off for the whole day and turning my lights off from 8:30 through the rest of the night.

I plan to spend my somewhat-off-the-grid day catching up on chores, reading, jogging, and doing a little bird-watching.

Please consider participating in Earth Hour and maybe even going beyond the hour.

Hour by Hour

This year's Earth Hour event is just 10 days away. On March 31 at 8:30 p.m. local time, people will turn off their lights to bring attention to the need for addressing global warming.

Since it began in 2007, Earth Hour has become a worldwide event, so by turning your lights off at 8:30, you'll be joining millions of people around the planet. Also, if you can, think of ways to go "beyond the hour." For instance, I am planning to keep my computer off and unplugged for the entire day.

For more information, click here. You can also check out the video for Earth Hour below:

A Day of Reconnecting

Last month, we had Earth Hour. Friday, April 22, is Earth Day.

Because it began as an attempt to produce actions that help improve the environment, Earth Day can sometimes be seen as a time that is just about "saving the planet." After reading some ideas for things to do on Earth Day, I realized that, indeed, I was carrying this faulty assumption.

While it's great if you can turn the day into a chance to limit your carbon footprint (walk or take the bus instead of your car), improve wildlife habitat, or support environmentally friendly policies, you can also make it about relaxing and reconnecting with the natural world. For you, maybe it's a 15 minute stroll outside to get some fresh air, an hourlong walk near the river, a quest to photograph as many different bird species as you can in three hours, or a day at a state park.

Whatever you choose, you can turn this year's Earth Day activity into an initial step, one that you might possibly expand upon next year.

You don't have to be an environmental activist to observe Earth Day. It's about strengthening the connection between people and their environment, and there is no reason you can't reap the benefits of that, so think about setting aside some time (no matter how much) on Friday for an "environmental experience."

Countdown to Earth Hour 2011

The Earth Hour is upon Us

Saturday, March 26, this year's Earth Hour will take place all around the world. To join in, when the clock strikes 8:30 p.m. wherever you are, turn out the lights for an hour.

Earth Hour began as an attempt to raise awareness about global warming. As it marks its fifth year of observation, it is expanding to an effort to do the things necessary to take on the problem.

"Beyond the Hour" is this year's theme. To go "beyond," individuals are encouraged to couple their light-free hour with a commitment to do something that helps the planet (for an idea, see my previous post).

For more about Earth Hour, click here.