Earth Hour 2010 - Lights off to show you care!

‘Lights out’ for Earth Hour is happening again in 2010 and this year individuals and families can win free solar power by registering!

Earth Hour is an annual event that gives you the opportunity to do something practical about climate change and let the community know that you care by participating in a very visual campaign! It aims to encourage households, schools, organisations and businesses to take the simple steps that are needed to cut our greenhouse gas emissions.

Earth Hour is in its fourth year in Australia and is being supported in 2010 by Penrith City Council. The highlight of the campaign revolves around a designated one hour period on Saturday 27 March when households, businesses, organisations and schools are encouraged to commit to turn their lights off between 8.30-9.30pm. This year Earth Hour also will focus on the broader aspects of sustainability, giving everyone something to do beyond the hour of darkness on Saturday 27 March, with the theme ‘Earth Hour, Every Hour’.

You will be joining many Council facilities that have already signed up, including the Civic Centre, Queen St Centre, Council Depot, Visitors Information Centre, Penrith Memorial Swimming Centre, Ripples Leisure Centre, the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and the St Clair Recreation Centre.
So, on Saturday 27 March, let's all start to make a switch to a sustainable lifestyle and show that together, we are not "just one person" and that collectively we can do it. In 2010, why not make a resolution during the hour of darkness? Anyone can make a change and do something to reduce their environmental impact all year round - from families to big businesses. There are lots of ways to be part of Earth Hour on the night and ways to take more action after Earth Hour.

Take advantage of the dark during Earth Hour and 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.

To show your support for Earth Hour simply email krace@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au or visit http://www.earthhour.org/ to sign your home up. You can also sign up your business or organisation at the same time. Signing up is absolutely free and can be done right up to the event.

For more information on Earth Hour and how you can save energy around the home visit Penrith City Council’s website http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/ or contact the Sustainability Unit on (02) 4732 8074.