Earth Hour

Hey Xavierites!

This past Saturday night millions of people in countries all over the world participated in Earth Hour, from 8:30-9:30 in their respective time zones. Some of you may have seen the commercials advertising for Earth Hour on television or heard about it on the radio, but for those of you who don't know what it is or why it started, here is a synopsis:

"This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

We all have a vote, and every single vote counts. Together we can take control of the future of our planet, for future generations." ~ www.Earthhour.org

This has such a powerful message, first urging citizens of the world that together it is our duty to care for the planet we live on, and to help preserve it for future generations. It also reminds us that we do have the ability to cause change, in this instance the dimming of a single light bulb serves to inform our world leaders of our effort, commitment and need for a change. YES WE CAN!




















For tips on how to live GREEN, and remain environmentally conscious, go to: www.greenlivingtips.com
www.thegreenguide.com
www.care2.com/greenliving/green-dorm-room-easy-greening

Hate it or Love it,
Miss Xquisite