Lights off for Earth Hour
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On March 26, participate in fun, energy-friendly activities in the dark!
Are you ready to turn off your lights for the environment? The City of Vaughan will recognize Earth Hour – a global movement in which people around the world turn off their lights and spend one hour without power to reduce energy consumption – on Saturday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m.
But being in the dark doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Here are some things you can do in advance of, and during, Earth Hour:
Go on a nighttime walk
Explore your neighbourhood and go on a nighttime walk on one of four City-specified routes in Woodbridge, Maple, Kleinburg and Thornhill. The routes will take one-hour to complete, roundtrip, and volunteers will help guide participants along the way. Wear reflective clothing, bring your own flashlights and maybe even a traveller-mug with a warm drink. Learn more about the routes at vaughan.ca/EarthHour.
Claim a pollinator seed packet
Thinking of growing your own pollinator-friendly garden? Vaughan residents can register to receive a free pollinator seed packet while supplies last. The pollinator packets include planting instructions for best results and the following flower seeds: Golden Tickseed, Lanceleaf Tickseed, Blazing Star, Helenium autumnale Common Milkweed and New England Aster. Claim your seed packet by emailing environment@vaughan.ca with your full name and mailing address.
Write on Vaughan’s Earth Hour message board
Get inspiration or share your thoughts on environmental sustainability by writing on Vaughan’s Earth Hour message board. What do environmental sustainability and energy saving mean to you? How do you plan to participate in Earth Hour at home this year? What are some energy-saving tips and tricks you do regularly? Provide your input for all to read.
Looking for more ways to celebrate Earth Hour at home? Try some of these energy-friendly activities:
- Grab a flashlight and make a blanket and pillow fort.
- Light a candle and do yoga, read a book or play a board game with your family.
- Get crafty and make a paper lantern using a battery-powered candle.
When doing these activities, remember to always put safety first. If walking outside at night, bring a flashlight or a lantern, wear reflective clothing, remain on the sidewalk or a designated pathway and follow all York Region Public Health measures. For more ideas, visit the Earth Hour website.
Once the hour is up, don’t forget to share photos and videos of your Earth Hour activities on social media, including drawings, crafts and games. When uploading, use the hashtag #VaughanEarthHour and see how others in the community have spent their hour without power!
Participating in Earth Hour is your opportunity to help raise awareness for climate change, promote environmental stewardship and create sustainable behaviours. For more information on this year’s virtual event, visit vaughan.ca/EarthHour. Learn more about the importance of Earth Hour and how you can get involved by watching this video, narrated by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.