Every year, millions of people across the globe come together for Earth Hour – a simple yet powerful movement where we switch off our lights for one hour to show our love and commitment to the planet. But Earth Hour is more than just a symbolic gesture – it’s a wake-up call, a moment to pause and reflect on the little things we can do that add up to a BIG impact.
What is Earth Hour?
It all started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia – yep, right here in Oz – when people flicked the switch to raise awareness about climate change. Fast forward to today, and it’s a global movement spanning 190+ countries, with homes, businesses, and even famous landmarks going dark in solidarity for the planet – pretty amazing right?
Why Does It Matter?
Sure, one hour of turning off the lights won’t magically fix the climate crisis, but it does send a powerful message: when we come together, we can create real change. Earth Hour reminds us to rethink our energy use, reduce waste, and live more sustainably – every day, not just for an hour.
Here’s Why It’s Important
- Saves energy – A single hour might seem small, but imagine the collective impact of millions of people cutting down power use at the same time!
- Sparks conversation—When iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Eiffel Tower go dark, people notice. This gets us talking about climate action.
- Inspires long-term habits – This isn’t just about an hour; it’s about the bigger picture. What changes can we make daily to reduce our carbon footprint?
How You Can Take Part
Earth Hour isn’t just about switching off the lights – it’s about making the most of that time. Need some inspiration? Here are three fun ways to spend Earth Hour:
- Go Off-Grid for an Hour – Light some candles, turn off all screens and enjoy the stillness. Read a book, play a board game, or soak in the quiet.
- Host a Sustainable Dinner – Gather your mates or family for a delicious meal made with local, plastic-free ingredients – Bonus points if you dine by candlelight!
- Set Your Eco Goals – Use this time to reflect on your sustainability journey. Could you start composting? Cut down on food waste? Swap out single-use plastics for reusables? Remember, small changes lead to big impacts.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Engadine Preschool, Earth Hour isn’t just a one-off event—it’s a reflection of what we stand for every single day. We’re here to make sustainable living easier with plastic-free alternatives that actually work. This Earth Hour, as a team, we’ve made a commitment to switching off (separately in our own houses!), but our mission to reduce waste, protect our planet, and inspire change keeps going.
Because let’s be real: sustainability should be practical, affordable, and achievable for EVERYONE. And we’re committed to making that happen. 💚
Beyond the Hour: Let’s Keep This Going!
Earth Hour is just the start. The real magic happens when we take these habits beyond the hour and into our everyday lives. So, let’s keep making conscious choices, reducing our footprint, and spreading the message together.
If this post resonates with you and you want to make a difference for the health of our planet, you might like to join the Engadine Preschool Sustainability Team. Please pop into the office and add your name to the attendee’s list. Watch out for our coming posts for the next meeting date.