Launched by the Australian World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007, Earth Hour is a global phenomenon that involves turning out the lights for 60 minutes for one night a year to protect our planet from the damage of climate change. The occasion takes place on the last Saturday every March and South Africa will be participating between 8:30 and 9:30 pm this year. So what to do while the lights are out? We’ve got a few ideas to help you take part in this awesome initiative.
1 Show off your board-game skills
Remember those board games you loved playing as a kid but that are now just gathering dust on the top shelf of your closet? Earth Hour is the time to unpack them – and have a games night by candlelight. Whether you opt for the more advanced Scrabble or prefer the more basic Snakes & Ladders, everyone will enjoy playing along.
2 Devour frozen desserts
Make a more powerful impact by turning off your all the electricity in your home. This means any frozen food and treats, like that yummy ice cream you bought for our warmer weather, is likely to melt if left uneaten. It’s the perfect excuse to ditch that diet and indulge in a sugary delight, guilt-free. Hey, it is for a good cause after all.
3 Tell a story
Reminisce on the carefree days of your childhood by treating your friends to a detailed account of your mischievous antics. Allow them to return the favour and you might end up discovering a few things about them you’d never have thought of! The bonding session is sure to bring up a few memories and give you the chance to create new ones.
4 Get acquainted with your gas stove
If you’ve opted to go power-free for the evening, take it as an opportunity to learn a new skill: cooking by gas. There’s an authentic, homely taste to food prepared over a fire and you’ll feel pretty chuffed if you can give your family and friends that sensory experience.
5 Go camping in your backyard
Why pack bags and journey to far away places for a camping trip when you can turn your own backyard into a campsite? Pitch a tent and light a small fire to get the action started. Once the flames are on full blast, grab some marshmallows and pop them onto wooden sticks or between crackers for the ultimate camping treat – no backpack required.
6 Let the stars entertain you
No, we’re not talking about the stars of the silver screen. Rather, place a blanket on the grass, lie down and get ready to be amazed by the gazillions of sparkling beauties above you. It’s the ideal time to reflect on life, love and everything in between – in the most romantic way possible.
7 Have a social media competition
Instead of staying away from your social media apps for just one hour, try to see how long you can really make do without tweeting, posting or sharing. Gather your mates and decide on a maximum time for surviving without your beloved apps – the one who manages to surpass that time is the winner. Sweeten the deal with a cool mobile phone accessory as a prize.
8 Join the Earth Hour Adventure
WWF will be hosting an exciting event at Kirstenbosch to make Earth Hour more fun than you could ever imagine. Wander through the serene gardens guided only by the light of your torch to reach the WWF landmarks scattered across 5 km. Singer Myrthe Buijs will be there to mark the beginning of the affair and you can take along your own picnic to enjoy after the adventure. Click here for all the details.
Photography Denys Nevozhai, Hanna Morgan, Nathan Anderson/Unsplash, Pixabay