Earth Hour 2010
Saturday, March 27th 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Earth Hour 2010 will take place on Saturday, March 27th from
8:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Earth Hour is a global campaign to showcase what can and is being done all over the world to combat climate change. The highlight of the Earth Hour campaign will see the world’s most iconic landmarks go dark for one designated hour, as people across the globe turn off their lights to celebrate and contemplate the most important thing we have in common – our planet.
The City of Winnipeg is asking Winnipeggers to join Earth Hour 2010, a global lights-out phenomenon led by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to show support for action on climate change.
Join this global movement and shut off all non-essential lights on Saturday, March 27 between 8:30 and 9:30 pm.
The City of Winnipeg will turn off all non-essential lighting in the following civic buildings in support of Earth Hour:
- City Hall (510 Main Street)
- Confederation Building (457 Main Street)
- Mandarin Building (185 King Street)
- 280 William Avenue
For more information on what the City is already doing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, please visit our climate change page.
What YOU Can Do to Support Earth Hour:
- Turn off your computer and lights before you leave work
- Turn off any non-essential power sources such as coffee makers, microwaves and radios.
- Unplug any unused electrical appliances.
- Sign up and show your support for Earth Hour.
- Spread the word to family and friends.
- Talk about Earth Hour in your social network by updating your Facebook status, tweeting about your support, and more
- Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day
- Make a virtual Earth Hour Lantern as a symbol of hope for the future
Understanding your Carbon Footprint
Most greenhouse gases are caused by the burning of fossil fuels for electricity generation and transportation.
Deforestation is another major driver of climate change, responsible for more carbon pollution than the entire global transportation sector.
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of carbon pollution produced.
Simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint include: walk more, use public transportation, only buy what you need and recycle.
Twelve Simple Things You Can Do to Reduce Energy Use Every day
- Turn your thermostat down in winter. During the winter, turn down your thermostat a couple degrees when you aren't home, and then again at night (it's healthier!)
- Turn your thermostat up in summer. In summer, turn the temperature setting UP (25°C instead of 20°C) on your air conditioner if you are leaving your home for the day. Your home will be tolerably cool when you return and your cooling system will not have been working hard all day for no one. Adjust to the ideal temperature when you will be home for an extended time. Shut it off completely if you are leaving for several days.
- Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the least expensive ways to lower your home heating and cooling bill. These thermostats raise and lower the temperature automatically. In winter, you can save 3 - 4% on your heating bill by turning your thermostat down 3°C for at least eight hours every day. If you also set your programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature during the day while you are away at work, you will see additional savings.
- Use blinds and drapes. If you don't have them, get them! Window coverings keep the heat of sun out during the summer days, lowering cooling costs. The same blinds and drapes trap heat inside during cold winter nights, keeping you warm and more energy-efficient.
- Turn off lights when you aren’t in the room. Would you leave your car running for hours on end if you weren’t in it? Same idea.
- Use motion detectors for outdoor lights. Instead of leaving lights on all night, use a detector that only comes on when you need it.
- Air dry dishes. Prop open the door and dry your dishes -- without spending a cent! The warm, moist air will be welcome during dry winter conditions. During the summer, minimize the heat added to your home by running the dishwasher during the evening and skipping the heat-generating dry cycle.
- Smaller appliances use less energy. Many meals can be easily and efficiently cooked in an electric frying pan or toaster oven. Electric kettles are the best choice for boiling water. Downsizing your appliance use will add up to big energy savings.
- Turn down your hot water heater. Turn your water heater down to 54°C. This will save you money and keep you from burning your hands. If your heater doesn't have a temperature gauge, run a meat thermometer under the hot water for a reading.
- Use a clothesline or drying rack. Do you really need to use a dryer? Some items never need to see the inside of a dryer -- rags, socks, dishcloths and pillowcases don't need fluffing. Passing on the dryer extends the lifespan of all your clothes. Drying your laundry on an indoor line or rack during the winter also adds welcome moisture to the air.
- Climate-friendly mower options. New electric models are cordless, rechargeable and do not require oil, gas, a starter rope or tune-ups. Solar models harness the sun’s energy to get the job done. Better yet, manual equipment provides light exercise while keeping your green space trimmed.
- Plant trees strategically. Trees can help you save money on your energy bill and reduce GHG emissions from home heating and cooling. Plant evergreens on the north side of your home for shelter from winter winds. On the south side, plant leafy species for cool summer shade and warm winter sunlight.
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For more solutions to home energy use, visit Manitoba Hydro’s Power Smart For Your Home site. |
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All tips courtesy of Climate Change Connection. |
More Living Green Tips
Drive Less. Instead of taking the car, why not walk, bike or take transit. Cars and trucks run on fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Buy local and sustainable food. The average food product travels about 2,000 kilometres before it reaches your table. Along the way it burns up energy - creating greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change - as it's packaged, shipped and stored. WWF-Canada has created Sustainable Food Buying Guides for regions across the country to help Canadians shop sustainably. The guides are free and available at http://wwf.ca/foodguide.
Recycle, reduce and reuse. Recycling saves a lot of energy needed to extract, process, transport and make new materials and products. Recycle 100% of your glass, aluminum, plastic, and paper and compost your organic waste.
Make sure your dishwasher and washing machine are always full before you run them as this will save energy and money.
Weather-proofing your home is a great way to save energy. Caulk your doors and windows, add insulation or add shades to use in the summer!
Fix leaking faucets. The constant drip wastes water, energy and money, so repair them as soon as possible.
Unplug appliances and phone chargers when they aren't in use. If they're plugged in, they're drawing energy and costing you money.
Provided courtesy of World Wildlife Federation Canada Earth Hour 2010