Earth Hour started in Australia in 2007 as a symbolic lights-out event but has since become a global grassroots environmental movement. So, do you have plans between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on March 28? If not, join us as we all put on a sweater and lower the heat a bit, while spending an hour or so without screens and hot water to show our love for our planet.
If you can’t think of something to do in the dark, here are five family-friendly ideas we’ve come up with that are not only fun but will also help save energy:
1. Party like it’s 1819!
Enjoy dinner by candlelight. *We recommend a plant-based salad with nuts, legumes and veggies—earth-friendly and no need to use the oven!
2. Stargaze with the kids.
Sunset hits before 8 p.m. on March 28, so it should be dark enough to see some stars in the evening sky. Let’s hope for clear skies! As you might even be able to spot the constellation Cancer, best seen at 9 p.m. in March.
3. Say no to screens.
With no screens available, why not gather the family together, huddle under some blankets, and read by flashlight?
4. Stretch it out.
We’ve heard of goat yoga or laughter yoga, so how about a little dark yoga? Roll out your mat and have a quiet stretching session in the dark. Now that’s a relaxing way to spend Earth Hour, plus it’ll help keep you warm.
5. How about sleep?
Who couldn’t use a few extra hours of shut-eye? Lights off, thermostat turned down, no screens, just sweet dreams.