The hour of no power is upon us! Earth Hour is the largest global movement for our planet to raise awareness and take action on the impact of climate change. Millions around the world will be switching off their lights this year on Satuday 28 March at 8.30pm - local time.

But did you know that Earth Hour is more than just about simply switching off the lights? It’s about spending time to connect to Earth and appreciate everything that nature gives us.


 There are plenty of ways you can connect to Earth, even if you’re at home social distancing - like making an eco-friendly resolution, signing our petition urging politicians to take action on climate change, or joining our Earth Hour Live event.

Here’s a list of 12 things you can do to celebrate Earth Hour this year!

 1. #SwitchOff the lights!
It’s a given, but the easiest thing you can do during Earth Hour is to #SwitchOff the lights and electricity at 8.30pm - your local time. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down from the busy bustle of life and reflect on what you can do to help our planet.

 

2. Check in online to #EarthHourLive!
Join Australia unplugged and online - live - featuring exciting music from Aussie musicians and the Earth Hour team as hosts. Join us here Saturday 28 March at 8:30pm AEDT for an hour of music and fun with #EarthHourLive. More details and the full line up of music acts coming soon, sign up to #SwitchOff for updates.

 

3. Sign the petition urging politicians to take stronger action on climate change
This year, we’re asking Earth Hour supporters to sign up to #SwitchOff and urge key Australian leaders to take stronger action on climate change by transitioning to renewable energy and a net zero-carbon economy to protect our beautiful natural heritage. 

SIGN THE PETITION

  

4. Join the conversation on social media with the hashtag #SwitchOff
Time to raise your voice for nature! Help ramp-up the conversation to take action on climate change, and connect with like-minded individuals on the night using the hashtag #SwitchOff.

 

5. Go for a nature hike

Nature hike in Australia. Photo by Ryan Young on Unsplash 

Earth Hour is more than just the hour. Why not take the day to go for a rejuvenating stroll or hike in one of Australia’s precious national parks? And remember: leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, and kill nothing but time.

 

6. Have a candlelit dinner
Cook a special dinner with and for your loved ones. Set up some candles or solar powered lights for a cozy, intimate atmosphere in the comfort of your own home. You can even try cooking up dishes that are sustainably sourced.

 

7. Play a board game or have a quiz night with friends and family

Dust off your favourite board games and spend the night having a bit of friendly competition with your loved ones. 

 

8. Go stargazing

Stargazing in the night sky. Photo by Josh Felise on Unsplash 

With the lights out, there’s no better time to go stargazing! Gather your mates and venture out to a dark, open spot near your home - it’s the best way to see the brightest stars in the night sky. See if you can make out any constellations!

 

9. Get craftsy and create art in an effort to save the planet
Make the most of your time at home through art. Find whatever materials you have lying around the house, and create an art piece dedicated to the planet and share it on socials with the hashtag #SwitchOff.

 

10. Practice your night time photography skills
What better opportunity to whip out your DSLR and practice your night time photography skills!
 

11. Plant native trees and plants

 Child planting trees for Earth Hour in Australia © WWF-Aus / Leonie Sii

Another thing that you can do to help our planet this Earth Hour day is plant native trees! This can be a fun activity for the whole family to get involved in, and perfect for helping kids develop their love for nature and the outdoors. Here’s a list of native trees and flowers you can plant.

12. Make an eco-friendly resolution

Get your notepad ready, Earth Hour is an ideal time to make some green resolutions. Even the smallest change you make - like picking up rubbish, reducing your use of plastic, walking to work or switching to eco-friendly products - can make a big difference for our planet.