On March 31, 2012 at 8:30pm, cities all over the world will be plunged into darkness for one hour as they celebrate Earth Hour, a world-wide event which is organized by the World Wildlife Fund.

Business and households will turn off their lights all at the same time for sixty minutes in order to reduce electricity and to raise awareness about the need to take action regarding climate change.

It is a time for people to reflect on their energy consumption. It is only when we try to live our lives without electricity that we really appreciate how much we use it on a daily basis.

How it began

Earth Hour started in 2007, when the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia encouraged 2.2 million people in Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour.

Several other cities and towns around the world were inspired by the success of this first Earth Hour and carried on the lights-out tradition in 2008.

Things to Do During Earth Hour

Are you wondering what you and your family will do while you have turned off the lights for one hour? Here are some great earth hour activities:

• Go outside and look at the stars. With the streetlights turned off you will be able to see many more constellations than usual.
• Take a relaxing candle-lit bath.
• Do some yoga to stretch your body and calm your mind.
• Sit in a circle with your friends and family and take turns telling stories. Who needs television when you can entertain each other?
• Go to bed early. Why not use the opportunity to get an extra hour of sleep?
• Eat a cold dinner, which uses less energy than a hot meal. You can eat things like fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, nuts and sandwiches.
• Light a fire in your fireplace and gather around it to play a board game with the family.
• Brainstorm ways that you and your family can reduce your carbon footprint during the rest of the year, such as switching your light bulbs to energy efficient ones, recycling and composting, and driving the car less.

There are many fun things that you can do during your hour of darkness as you celebrate Earth Hour and raise awareness about the fight against climate change.