Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as a movement to take action on climate change. At first, the action was symbolic, asking people to turn their lights off for one hour. Earth Hour eventually included messaging around biodiversity and the importance of protecting and restoring nature. Since 2023, the message has focused on giving an hour to do anything positive for our Earth. In 2024, Earth Hour supporters from more than 180 countries contributed over 1.4 million hours tied to reconnecting with nature, restoring our environment, learning more about our planet, and inspiring others.
This year, Earth Hour will be celebrated on Saturday, March 22 at 8:30 p.m. Will you give an hour of your time by doing something positive for our Earth? After all, she does provide us with the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we live on.
Do you need some inspiration? EarthHour.org provides many ideas under the categories of fitness and wellness, nature, food, sustainability, arts and creativity, and entertainment. Specific examples include planning an outdoor adventure to reconnect with nature, watch a nature documentary or read a book about nature, install a rain barrel to save water, cook a dish to make our planet and your palate proud, get people together to do a clean-up, and more.
The Earth Hour organizers are asking that you record your activities at EarthHour.org. Did you know that if you live, work, or go to school in Burlington, you can also track your hours locally?
BurlingtonGreen 200,000 Eco Actions
In 2024, BurlingtonGreen began a 200,000 Eco Actions campaign where they track, report, and celebrate local actions that protect and care for our environment which can then inspire others to also take action. The goal is to track 200,000 eco actions by 2030. Use the online form by either checking off actions you are taking from a list or add your own actions. When you’re done, don’t forget to hit the submit button!
What can you do beyond Earth Hour?
Check out the following activities taking place locally in March and April. Click on each hyperlink for more information:
- Clean Up Green Up – March to October – Register your location online
- Burlington Repair Cafe – March 22, 1-4 p.m. – Open Doors, St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, 662 Guelph Line, Burlington. Email burlingtonrepaircafe@cogeco.ca for more details and to let the ‘fixers’ know what you plan to bring.
- Building for a Liveable Future – March 26, 7-8:30 p.m. – Webinar
- The Mysteries of Migration with Bob Bell – March 27, 7 to 8:15 p.m. – Webinar
- Planning for Flood Prevention – March 27, 7-8:30 p.m. – Webinar – $10.
- Design your Native Landscape – April 5, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Flamborough Baptist Church, 41 Concession 5 Rd. E., Waterdown – $45 (lunch included)
- Earth Day at the Beach – April 19, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – 1094 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington. Activities include beach litter clean-up and Butt Blitz, fun eco activities for all ages, guided tree walk and talk, local climate resources, and more.
- Tree Planting Event at Longmoor Park – April 26 – Registration now closed.
Take Action Burlington! Let’s all give an hour to protect and care for our Earth. Collectively, we can make a difference.
Take Action Burlington 