Earth Hour

In 2010 Delta joined 87 communities in British Columbia and 370 cities and towns in more than 35 countries in switching off unnecessary lights and equipment to save energy and help combat climate change.

Turning off the lights for Earth Hour, along with millions of other people and businesses around the world, sends a signal of concern about the state of the planet and your commitment to take action to fight climate change.

"Earth Hour is a one hour lights out event, created by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) that mobilizes millions worldwide to show support for action on climate change.

Lighting uses about 5 to 15 per cent of electricity in the residential sector and over one third (~37%) of electricity in offices. By eliminating inefficient lighting, you could save millions of dollars while drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The Corporation of Delta promotes Earth Hour and participates by turning off all non-essential lights and equipment at our facilities from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

We only ask people to turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment for Earth Hour - no lights that affect public safety will or should be turned off. All emergency services are also aware that Earth Hour is happening.

1. Go outside and look at the stars
2. Find a great viewing spot to see your town or city go dark at 8:30 pm.
3. Gather your family or friends for a candlelit dinner.
4. Tell ghost stories.
5. Listen to the birds, bats or other wildlife.
6. Turn your thermostat down by 1 degree. And leave it there.
7. Play Pictionary with glow-in-the-dark markers.
8. Have a night game of street hockey with a glow-in-the-dark puck or ball (wear reflective vests).
9. Have a candlelit bath.
10. Get out the sleeping bags and camp out on the living room floor.

Find more ideas at www.earthhourcanada.org

Want to do more?

Always turn off all non-essential electronic devices at home and at work when not in use!

• Turning off one monitor saves 500 kWh/yr, turning off 1000 monitors is equal to the amount of energy it takes to light 280 homes/yr.
• A computer running 24 hrs/day uses more electricity than a full-size fridge. A monitor uses 75% of the total electricity of the computer. Please, turn off your monitors!
• Turning off a photocopier at night saves 1294 kWh/yr, turning off 1000 photocopiers is equal to the amount of energy it takes to light 720 homes/yr.
• Unplugging 5 battery chargers saves 54 kWh/yr, if 5000 houses unplugged their chargers the energy saved could light 150 homes/yr.
• Look around in your office and at home, if you were to turn off one task light that would save you 400 kWh/year. Turning off 1000 could light 220 homes/yr.

(Reference: BC Hyrdo)