Take action against climate change: Lights out on Earth Hour, March 29

Richmond, BC – This Earth Hour, turn off your lights and reduce other sources of energy to show your support for action on climate change.  Earth Hour will be happening on Saturday, March 29 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.  By participating, you will help Richmond reach its goal to decrease energy consumption by three per cent for Earth Hour.

Earth Hour is one part of the City of Richmond’s larger efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 33 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050.  The City is participating in Earth Hour by turning off all unnecessary lighting and office equipment in City facilities and dialing down thermostats. Everyone can easily participate in Earth Hour by simply turning off unnecessary lights and equipment, to make a conscious choice to conserve energy and reduce negative impacts on our environment.

Along with other BC municipalities, Richmond has supported the World Wildlife Fund’s international Earth Hour initiative for the past six years. Last year, Richmond reduced electricity consumption by three per cent during Earth Hour. This contributed to the overall total province-wide reduction of 136 megawatt hours of electricity use, which is equivalent to turning off approximately ten million 12.5 watt LED lights.

To encourage residents to turn off their lights and have fun in the dark with friends and family, the City is hosting a contest on Facebook (www.facebook.com/CityofRichmondBC) and Twitter (@Richmond_BC), asking residents to send in a “Selfie in the Dark,” or other photos of themselves and their activities during Earth Hour in Richmond. Contestants may win either a $50 gift card to the Blue Canoe Restaurant or to The Fowl Farmer, sponsored by BC Hydro.  For more information about the contest, visit www.richmond.ca/sustainability/environment/action/earthhour.

Earth Hour is a symbolic initiative led by the World Wildlife Fund, raising awareness about the need for urgent climate change action.This campaign shows that everyone, no matter where they are from, can make an impact on improving our environment. To pledge your support for Earth Hour 2014 and learn more about how you can take action on climate change, visit www.wwf.ca/earthhour.