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Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Earth Hour 2010

In case you have not noticed from the change in weather the month of March is always associated with the season of Spring. In North America the first day of the Spring season was last weekend (March 20th). Let’s keep our optimism up that the warming trend will continue as last winter we had a severe ice storm close to Easter.

Severe weather most often occurs during the Spring, when warm air begins to invade from lower latitudes while cold air is still pushing from the Polar Regions. Flooding is also common during this time of year due to snowmelt, many times accelerated by warm rains. The one thing that we can count on during this season is the awakening of nature – and allergies.

This year, Earth Hour is March 27, 2010 from 8:30 to 9:30pm. Since the climate change conference in Copenhagen did not ratify a new agreement between the world leaders regarding climate change, this year the celebration of Earth Hour becomes a very important action to tell world leaders that we want action taken on climate change.

Earth Hour is more than just switching off your lights for one hour, once a year. It is about giving people a voice for the future of our Earth and sending the message to our political leaders that action must be taken in regards to climate change. Canada is in the spotlight this year as Prime Minister Harper will be hosting the next meeting of the G20 Countries where the talks on climate change must continue.

As individuals you probably wonder if the small changes that you make really make a difference. While at the global level the problem seems unsolvable. If you do your part, by one simple action, like turning off the lights for one hour and encouraging others to do the same, can make a difference. Simple actions can add up fast if we all do them.

Everyone will have to take part in this initiative, governments, businesses, industries and each one of us. Reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that you create can be as simple as lowering your thermostat, unplugging any unused appliances or chargers or walking to work. After all, actions speak louder than words.

Here are some simple tips on how to make and environmental difference every day of the year:

1. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store.
2. Hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer. Take advantage of the Spring air.
3. Try to eat local food which does not have to travel for thousands of miles and is over packaged.
4. Join your local community garden to grow some food for yourself or to share with others.

For more information regarding Earth Hour you can go to their website at: http://www.EarthHourCanada.org.

Lisa Emery, B.A. is currently living in Amherst. Lisa invites comments to her column. You can contact Lisa at: emeryvine@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/emeryvine, or view her blog at http://emeryvinegrapevine.blogspot.com

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