Penrith City Council is once again throwing its support behind Earth Hour - an annual event coordinated by WWF Australia to raise awareness of climate change, while at the same time encouraging households, schools, businesses and organisations to take the practical steps that are needed to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 5% over the coming year. Initiated inSydney in 2007, the inaugural Earth Hour event in 2008 was the first international Earth Hour, helping spread the cause to all but one continent, across 35 different countries. Major cities across the globe took part with the cooperation and support of major businesses. With the tremendous success of Earth Hour 2008 behind us, Earth Hour 2009 is set to switch off the globe. Already 377 cities, and double the number of countries that participated in 2008, are committed with millions of people in households, communities, businesses and corporations set to switch off lights for just one hour to create a platform of support for action on climate change. The official date for Earth Hour 2009 is:
Saturday March 28 at 8:30pm
Earth Hour aims to demonstrate unprecedented solidarity and provide a visual mandate for action on climate change.Along with millions of others around the globe, Penrith City Council will "power down" for one hour on Saturday 28 March at 8.30pm by turning off non-essential lighting across Council owned facilities and encouraging all staff to switch off machines and unplug appliances at the power point before they leave the office.While turning the lights off is a great first step, the challenge is to take this commitment even further and make some simple and inexpensive changes in your home or business to reduce your energy use by 5% over the following year.So, why not make some plans to take advantage of the dark during Earth Hour? You could enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner for two, explore your backyard by torchlight, visit a planetarium and look at the stars or head to a park with some neighbours for a picnic by candlelight.
It’s easy to get involved.
1. Sign up to Earth Hour
Sign up your home, business, organisation or school to participate in Earth Hour. To sign up – just go to http://www.earthhour.org/. Alternatively email krace@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or call the Sustainability Unit on 4732 8071 with your contact details. Signing up is absolutely free and you will also be provided with an Earth hour information pack. Turning off your lights will send a highly visible sign to the community of your commitment to addressing climate change.
Sign up your home, business, organisation or school to participate in Earth Hour. To sign up – just go to http://www.earthhour.org/. Alternatively email krace@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or call the Sustainability Unit on 4732 8071 with your contact details. Signing up is absolutely free and you will also be provided with an Earth hour information pack. Turning off your lights will send a highly visible sign to the community of your commitment to addressing climate change.
2. Turn off appliances on standby
Many appliances and electronic equipment – including computers, photocopiers and even washing machines - actually draw electricity even when they are not in use. Getting rid of this wastage of energy is easy. Turn your appliances off at the switch whenever they are not in use and save money.
Many appliances and electronic equipment – including computers, photocopiers and even washing machines - actually draw electricity even when they are not in use. Getting rid of this wastage of energy is easy. Turn your appliances off at the switch whenever they are not in use and save money.
3. Switch to energy efficient lighting
There is a great range of energy efficient lighting options now available from lighting and hardware stores and online. As lights in your home or office give up the ghost replace them with a more energy efficient alternative and start saving on your bills.
There is a great range of energy efficient lighting options now available from lighting and hardware stores and online. As lights in your home or office give up the ghost replace them with a more energy efficient alternative and start saving on your bills.
4. Spread the word
Spread the word about Earth Hour and how easy it is to play a part in tackling climate change. Encourage fellow businesses, employees, family and friends to get involved – ask them to sign up and pledge their commitment.
Spread the word about Earth Hour and how easy it is to play a part in tackling climate change. Encourage fellow businesses, employees, family and friends to get involved – ask them to sign up and pledge their commitment.
5. Switch to Green Power
Green Power is electricity that has been accredited by the NSW Government as coming from clean, renewable sources with very little greenhouse gas emissions. Most energy providers have an accredited product available. Why not call your energy provider and find out what is available? For more information on Green Power visit http://www.greenpower.com.au/ .
Green Power is electricity that has been accredited by the NSW Government as coming from clean, renewable sources with very little greenhouse gas emissions. Most energy providers have an accredited product available. Why not call your energy provider and find out what is available? For more information on Green Power visit http://www.greenpower.com.au/ .
For more ideas on how to save energy in your home, school or workplace visit http://www.energysmart.com.au./
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