This weekend millions of us around the world will be switching off all non-essential lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm (local time) as a symbolic display of solidarity for the planet.
Earth Hour is an annual event and campaign, brought about by the World Wildlife Fund to encourage us to think about the impact our actions have on the Earth’s biodiversity and natural resource reserves. According to the World Wildlife Fund, if we don’t take action on climate change, we could lose up to 50% of species by the end of this century. View image on Twitter
The first ever lights out Earth Hour event started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia and has since spread to over 7,000 cities in the world and towns across 187 countries and territories. Last year, nearly 9 million people across the UK switched off to send a clear message of support for climate action.
This year, Earth Hour is going beyond a symbolic 1 hour switch off and calling on supporters to also make a promise for the planet and share it on Twitter using the hashtag #PromiseForThePlanet. Their suggestions for promised include reducing plastic use, using reusable coffee cups, washing clothes at a lower temperature, switch to green energy or become a flexitarian.
Earth Hour teams will also be using the 2018 Earth Hour movement to highlight environmental issues most relevant in their country or region. Colombian advocates will call for the Colombian government to commit to zero deforestation by 2020, French Polynesia is expected to move to protect 5 million square kilometers of its seas to preserve ocean ecosystems, Guatemala will campaign for freshwater conservation and in Nepal Earth Hour teams will mobilise support for clean, renewable energy. Want to join the movement? Here are the 3 most important things you can do:
- Set yourself a reminder to switch off all non-essential lights when you leave the office on Friday
- Take part in Earth Hour at home by switching off all non-essential lights between 8.30pm – 9.30pm this Saturday 24th March
- Make a promise for the planet and share it on Twitter using the #PromiseForThePlanet
Our Jump employee engagement programmes motivate employees to take part in environmentally sustainable actions both in the workplace and at home by rewarding them for their positive actions. Our corporate and university clients, including RBS, Swansea University, the University of Winchester and Bournemouth University have all benefited from reductions in carbon emissions and increased energy savings after Jump was introduced to their employees. Since implementing Jump, RBS has seen over 500,000 disposable cups saved, an average energy reduction of 5% energy and a 10% reduction in out of hours electricity consumption, which totalled an estimated £3 million energy savings in 2017.
For more information, or to request a case study visit www.teamjump.co.uk or email [email protected]
