BUZZ CULTURE: EARTH HOUR 2021 | FEATURE

How can you help protect our planet this Saturday? By taking part in the annual Earth Hour initiative, an ideal in-house activity at the best of times as it happens. Alex Langrish, reporting for our Buzz Culture project, tells you more…

Since 2008, millions of people across the world have taken part in Earth Hour, a global movement aimed at raising the public’s awareness of environmental issues. From Sydney to London, from Tokyo to Rio, lights have been switched off and the environment has been placed on centre stage. Earth Hour is far more than just turning off your lights, however: it unites people globally, showing that we can work together to do good for our world.

After the global pause of 2020, this year is more important than ever for the environment. With decisions being made by world leaders on the path they all take towards climate action, Earth Hour aims to move the spotlight back onto nature, asking us to donate not with money, but with the flick of a switch and the click of a button. Not only is Earth Hour a powerful act of global solidarity, but it’s something you can do in your own home – precisely where most of us are at the moment!

Taking part

Earth Hour takes place on Sat 27 Mar at 8.30pm: all you need to do is switch off your lights and reconnect with the dark. In this modern world, an hour might seem an age, so here are a few ideas to keep you entertained during #EarthHour:

• Use the stargazing app to see the depths of the universe
• Eat a candlelit dinner (make sure you cook beforehand!)
• Listen to music (clear furniture and get raving)
• Make a cosy den and read with torchlight
• Tell spooky stories with a candle

On top of this, Earth Hour are aiming to make their video the most watched ever and they need our help! All we have to do is share a video which they will be posting on their Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. You can also find out more on their website, www.earthhour.org.

So go on, join millions of people across the world in an act of environmental solidarity and let’s show friends and leaders in Wales alike that we care about our planet. Don’t forget to take some snaps in the dark and share them using the #EarthHour and #Connect2Earth hashtags – and tag Buzz on Instagram (buzzmagwales) so we can see what you decided to do!

words and video ALEX LANGRISH