Why everyone is switching their lights off at 8.30pm tonight creating 'blackout'

23 March 2024 , 08:00

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Everybody is switching their lights off at 8.30pm this evening (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

This evening at 8.30pm, people across the UK will be turning their lights off to create a total 'blackout' - but why?

On Saturday, March 23, between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, it's 'Earth Hour'. Earth Hour is a "moment of unity that brings the world together, shines a spotlight on nature loss and the climate crisis, and inspires millions more to act and advocate for urgent change".

It acknowledges that the Earth is our "shared home", and it wants to ensure we can reconnect with the planet, restore the planet, learn more about it, inspire others to care for it, and also find other ways to make an impact.

Earth Hour is your time to switch off and dedicate an hour to help bring our world back to life. You can do this any way you like, by spending 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet we share.

WWF recommended several things you can do to help the planet this Earth Hour, sharing that the planet and its wellbeing is something we should be regularly considering.

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Switch off your devices

Switch off all your electricity, and also take some time away from your phone. Put your mobile on Do Not Disturb between 8.30pm and 9.30pm, and enjoy some time to yourself, or with your loved ones. You might even want to light some candles and play a board game, or read a book by candlelight.

Help restore nature

Spend some time planning how you can help nature in your area. Make your garden more nature-friendly and consider visiting a local allotment so you can get green-fingered. Any space, no matter how small, can be turned into a wildlife haven.

Calculate your carbon footprint

Calculate your carbon footprint and work out ways to reduce it. Could you walk somewhere instead of driving? Or maybe take public transport instead of a taxi? There are so many things you can do.

Eat for change

Make a sustainable meal with your friends and family, using ingredients that are better for the planet, and that don't put as much of a strain on the environment. Examples are swapping your usual beef burger out for one made of carrots and chickpeas.

Danielle Kate Wroe