Switch off lights & Protect earth!!
Posted on: 27/Mar/2014 10:10:06 AM
On Saturday, 29th March, ‘Earth Hour Campaign’ will be observed by switching off all electric lights all over the world. All unwanted electric lights in residences, companies, and commercial establishments will be kept off between 8.30 PM & 9.30 PM. This observation is considered to be the largest among the various campaigns for environmental protection.
It is natural to raise the question as to what is the effect of switching off the lights for just an hour. This is only a token campaign. This signifies the importance of getting into the routine of keeping unwanted electrical things switched off.
‘Earth hour’ is practiced every year on the last Saturday during the month of March. The conservation of power will be more obvious if the campaigns done during nights – hence night hours have been chosen.
Tamil Nadu campaign ambassador for this campaign is the film music director, Mr. Anirudh. The campaign’s main intention is to emphasize the need to use unconventional energy sources.
Anyone can join this campaign. You have to invite your relatives, friends, colleagues, and neighbours to join the campaign. The slogan – ‘Save electricity; switch to unconventional energy’!
Beginnings
Worldwide Fund for Nature organizes this campaign. It was started in Australia in the year 2007. The campaign has spread to 700 cities across the world. Millions of people from different countries participate in this campaign. The main purpose is to create awareness on global warming and reduction of electricity consumption.
It started initially as ‘switching off’ power for 1 hour. Now the campaign has switched to ‘change over to unconventional energy sources’.
Solar power, wind power, water power, and wastage from plants are identified as the alternative unconventional energy resources. These are permanent and do not create any pollution. Using these sources will reduce the usage of petrol & electricity.
In India
The campaign started in India in the year 2009. 30,00,000 people from 58 cities in India participated. For the year 2012, this rose to 150 cities.
Celebrities Sachin Tendulkar, Vidya Balan, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgun, and Abhishekh Bachan are tha ambassadors for this campaign.
During 2011, lights were switched off at the President’s place, Rashtrapathi Bhavan, and 30 other heritage locations. In 2012, 120 public sector industries participated. Millions of people participate every year.
The other side
While these efforts continue we must also be aware of the fact that there houses and villages without any electricity. These campaigns should also insist on providing electricity for these areas.
During earth hour campaign, candles are used. Fuel is spent again! The campaign should emphasise the need to lessen the use of energy sources.
