Earth Hour 2013... More Than Turning the Lights Off

Last March 23, Saturday, the world celebrated the Earth Hour 2013. It was "lights out" for all homes and businesses when the clock stroke 8:30 in the evening on their time zone. Participants turned off their lights and appliances for the Earth Hour 2013. 

For the past two years since my kids were able to understand what the Earth Hour campaign is, we have been joining this significant environmental campaign of saving the planet. As a matter of fact, they were the ones who reminded me of the Earth Hour for this year. And they were excited about it! They even thought of various activities that will keep them busy during the hour when all lights and appliances are off. My eldest son suggested that we watch the moon and the stars while my second son thought of going to the rooftop and watch the last performance of Pyromusical Competition being held at MOA. Yes, we can see the fireworks from our rooftop. 

Unfortunately, my family was unable to participate on the Earth Hour 2013. Why? We have done our part earlier during the day... and for more than an hour! We left the house for a despedida con swimming party for a niece who will be leaving for Japan before the end of the month, where she will be teaching in an international school. Of course, we turned off all lights and unplugged our appliances in before we left the house in the morning. We only turned them back on when we arrived in the afternoon. It was roughly a six-hour Earth Hour 2013 at the House of JCJEE! 

The campaign for this year focused on the Earth Hour ‘I Will If You Will’ Campaign (IWIYW), which allows the Earth Hour Initiative to offer people around the world more opportunity to become a part of actual environmental solutions. The IWIYW Campaign empowers people around the world to share a personal dare with others by asking everyone, "What are you willing to do to save the planet?" 

To instill further the message of Earth Hour, I raised the same question to my children and discussed the campaign with them. Here is a list of our little ways to help save the Earth. 

1. We will walk to school.
2. We will plant vegetables and trees.
3. We will use natural and organic-based household and personal care products 

If you are to be asked, "What are you doing to save Mother Earth and instill the Earth Hour message to everyone?" Post your answer on the comment field below.