Earth Hour

Earth Hour 2024
Take part in Earth Hour on March 30, from 8:30-9:30pm Pacific time.

Earth Hour was started in 2007 as a symbolic lights-out event to raise awareness of climate change, and is now one of the world's largest grassroots movements for the environment.

Earth Hour logo

Held every year on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour engages supporters in more than 190 countries and territories, all taking action to ensure a brighter future for people and planet.

Over the past several decades, Earth Hour has helped bring climate action top of mind. Earth Hour provides a great opportunity for each of us to contribute to a truly worldwide effort.

The City's Support of Earth Hour & Climate Action Initiatives

Municipalities are playing a lead role in combating climate change through transportation, waste management, building energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and renewable energy initiatives.

The City of North Vancouver is committed to participating in Earth Hour by turning off lights inside City Hall, the City Operations Centre, and the City Library during Earth Hour where lights out will not impact safety for staff or the public. Many of the lights in civic buildings are also automated and therefore turn off when no one is present.

The City is also converting to energy-efficient LED lights at all facilities with much of this conversion completed. To learn more about the City of North Vancouver's ongoing efforts in corporate and community-based initiatives for energy management and greenhouse gas emissions reduction visit our Living City page.


Other City Climate Action Initiatives

The City is tackling climate change with a variety of efforts, including:

  • Improving the energy efficiency of buildings
  • Creating improved transportation alternatives
  • Pursuing renewable energy opportunities
  • Working with Lonsdale Energy Corporation to expand the district energy system
  • Looking for ways to reduce waste generated in our community.

These measures all help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

The City is also committed to continual improvement in energy conservation through its building and fleet operations and in reducing the amount of solid waste sent for disposal.

Earth Hour in the Community

City residents are encouraged to participate in this united global message about the need for action on climate change. Together, we can make a difference!

Visit EarthHour.org for suggestions on how to take part in Earth Hour, and we've also included a few ideas below.

  • Don't just turn off the lights at 8:30pm, unplug electronics as well - appliances, alarm clocks, computers, tvs and cell phone chargers still draw power even if they're turned off
  • Get active - go on a night cycle or run, or do candlelit yoga
  • Stop by your nearest outdoor space and pick up trash
  • Play board games by candlelight
  • Go stargazing
  • Try out night photography
  • Create crafts using recycled materials
  • Go for a walk in your neighbourhood and count the number of homes with the lights off

Share your Earth Hour experience with the hashtag #EarthHour.

Beyond Earth Hour

Earth Hour is an opportunity for us to consider how we can be more energy-efficient through our everyday actions. Saving energy is about using less fossil fuels. When burned, fossil fuels emit greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Greenhouse gases cause climate change.

Little changes everyday add up to big savings. If we all work together, we can make a significant difference. Here are some effective actions to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

  • Set your water heater to 49 degrees Celsius
  • Wash your clothes in cold water
  • Hang your clothes to dry
  • Close your drapes and blinds at night to help keep heat inside
  • Use your microwave and slow cooker more often; both are much more efficient than a stove-top or oven
  • Unplug your cell phone charger when not in use

Let's work together and make every hour Earth Hour!

 

More Information

For more information, visit our Living City page or email ParkStewards@cnv.org.

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