Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

My husband says I’m a ‘pain.’

I’m a ‘pain’ because I close doors and turn out the lights. Even if he’s stepping outside for ‘just a minute,’ I’ll close the door if it is colder than 60 degrees outside. And, if he’s left a room and the lights or the television is on, I’ll turn them off.

I can’t help it. It is how I was raised.

On Saturday, March 26, 2011, people around the world are being asked to turn out the lights for Earth Hour. (Watch the video of last year's Earth Hour action.)

Since 2007 Earth Hour has asked individuals, organizations, businesses, and communities worldwide to show their commitment to the environment. This Earth Hour, we are all asked to turn off our lights. For one hour.

Sounds easy enough. Turn all the lights off at 8:30 pm on Saturday? For one hour? Lights, television, computer – okay, I can do this.

And then I begin to really think about it. This action may be harder than I think.

Being part of a family, I’ll need to enlist the cooperation of my husband and daughter. And, I’ll need to remember to actually turn the lights out at 8:30 pm. It would be so easy to say, “maybe next year….” (That is what I did last year on Earth Hour …)

I’m beginning to think it might be easier to show support for this action by organizing a group event – with my church or my friends. Has a date been set for Earth Hour 2012? I’ve made a note in my calendar to look into this in early 2012.

Thinking you’d like to take part? The Earth Hour website offers ‘How to Guides’  as well as recommending the following actions for people taking part:

1. Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 26 2011 wherever you are in the world and sign up to let us know you will be taking part.
2. Run your own Earth Hour event, street or house party with friends and family. Add your event to our Global Meetup Map.
3. Take Earth Hour beyond the Hour by taking action for the planet and telling us all about it.
4. Tell the world through social media, or add our tools and downloads to your blogs and websites.
5. Encourage your local government or community groups to run earth Hour in your region.
6. Make a Lantern and send it your friends

Is your congregation participating in Earth Hour? Please share your stories in the comments space below or in the Your Turn section of this website.