This year Earth Hour is on Saturday 22 March between 8.30-9.30pm. It’s a chance for people across the world to come together. A chance to show how much we care for the future of our planet. And hopefully inspire people to act and stand up for change.
Earth Hour is one of the world’s biggest environment movements. It’s organised by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and has grown each year since starting in Sydney, Australia back in 2007. To get involved and show your support, all you need to do is switch off your non-essential lights (not lights that could affect your safety).
Why should you get involved?
Earth Hour is more than just an hour. It symbolises that small, positive changes can have an impact. A notion we can take forward. Being aware of how our actions can affect environmental impacts means that we can make better day-to-day decisions. You could even start a weekly Earth Hour to reduce our footprint.
It also shows that we can achieve more when we work together. Each year, communities from around the world come together. Landmarks also switch off their lights to show support, including the Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, London Eye and more. In 2024, Earth Hour gave more that 1.4 million hours to the planet. The biggest Earth Hour yet. But let’s make 2025 even more successful.
What can you do during Earth Hour?
Digital detox
Much like your electricity, Earth Hour is a great time to switch off your mind. Take time away from your usual activities. Turn your phone off. And enjoy some quality time alone or with your loved ones. This is a great way to detox and improve your mental health and wellbeing.
Enjoy your surroundings
Whether you’re spending Earth Hour on campus or at home, why not head outside to a safe outdoor space to reconnect with nature. With less light pollution, you could spend the hour stargazing.
Mindful moments
Meditation, yoga or breathing exercises are also great options during Earth Hour. You can enjoy it alone or plan group activities with your house mates.
Games night
Charge your torches and invite your house mates for a game’s night. It’s a great time to bond over a fun experience. And we’re sure you won’t even notice the hour passing by. If you’re away from friends or loved ones, you could arrange a virtual quiz night instead.
Calculate your footprint
WWF have created a Footprint Calculator. Answer a few questions, and you can see your personal impact on the planet as well as ways to reduce it. You could then spend the rest of Earth Hour planning your positive changes to implement.
Energy at Edge Hill
Reducing energy has been a priority at Edge Hill University for many years.
We have invested in the redevelopment of campus with innovative energy efficient technology. As the reliance on information technology (IT) increases in all walks of life, Edge Hill is addressing this by installing the most energy efficient equipment and systems possible.
Whether it’s to save money, reduce carbon emissions or to save fossil fuels, not wasting energy makes sense.
Check our Energy at Edge Hill webpage for details of our sustainability plans as well as more tips on how to reduce energy usage at home.
February 28, 2025
