Marking Earth Hour
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Reminder: turn your lights off tonight at 8:30 p.m. in recognition of the global movement
How will you recognize Earth Hour this evening? In honour of the global movement, the City of Vaughan will reduce its energy consumption by powering down facility lights for the hour, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
How will you recognize Earth Hour this evening? In honour of the global movement, the City of Vaughan will reduce its energy consumption by powering down facility lights for the hour, beginning at 8:30 p.m.
There are many ways you can bring this movement to life at home – and have fun while doing it! Here are some energy-friendly activities you and your family can do in advance of or 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. When using candles, ensure they are placed in a fireproof container. 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 by Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.