Tomorrow is Earth Hour! A global movement inviting countries around the world to stand in solidarity, raising awareness about climate change, by pledging to turn off non-essential lights during Earth Hour (8:30pm-9:30pm local time).  Did you know? The first Earth Hour, was in Sydney, Australia, 2007.

Join the celebration! #EarthHourCayman

 

Earth Hour Cayman includes: performances by Mr. Earl La Pierre, David Innis and the Singrays.  You can also do some star gazing with the Astronomical Society of the Cayman Islands.

Take the Pledge: Lights Out for Earth Hour

All proceeds support the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.  Awesome perks for pledges!

During Earth Hour we can gather around and participate in this global movement.  We should also take a moment to look beyond the hour.

Earth Hour, is a bit like New Year’s Eve, instead of a New Year’s resolution, we make a pledge for an hour, to benefit the environment. Similarly, like a resolution intended to last for a whole year, why not allow your pledge to commit to supporting Earth Hour, last longer than the hour. Why not work towards incorporating easy-to-do eco-friendly actions that will help reduce your carbon footprint for the long term.

10 Easy Ways To Make Your Pledge Last Beyond The Hour

1. Lights Out

While the action of turning off non-essential lights is still on the brain, consider getting into a habit of turning off non-essential lights as part of your daily routine. You can make it as simple as, turning off lights when you leave a room for an extended period of time.

2. Get Unplugged

Part the Earth Hour Cayman challenge is to turn off electronic devices that are fully charged, not needed for use or non-essential. For instance, laptops, cell phones, iPads, iPods, dvd players, VCR, TV, stereo systems, toasters, and coffee maker. Developing a routine of incorporating unplugging non-essential or not-needed for use electronic devices helps to reduce your electricity bill. Items switched off, but still plugged in are burning what is known as “phantom electricity” and it is not necessary.

3. Walk This Way

Whenever you have the option to walk, run with it. If there is a place you need to be and it is near by (in walking range) considering walking instead of driving. This way, you reduce your carbon footprint. It may even help the fuel in the tank last a bit longer.

4. Keeping It Cool

A basic necessity of island living is air-conditioning  (A/C). Blessed with a sky full of sunshine practically all year long, we find ourselves wanting to stay cool all year long too. A/C is one of the biggest energy consumers in your household. Consider, setting you A/C to warmer temperatures like 80°F when you leave your home, or better yet turn it off when you are out at work. If you have indoor pets, it is likely you will leave the A/C running to keep them comfortable, so consider setting the temperature in the range of 80°F – 85°F.

5. Audit Your Home

Do you wanna be the Eco Citizen of the year? Consider having an energy audit done on your home. This will allow you to know exactly which appliances are consuming the most energy. You may also find ways to reduce your energy consumption and lower your electricity bill. Additionally, an energy audit will provide you with tips on how to conserve energy in your household. Overall, you are reducing your carbon footprint.

6. Fly Non-Stop

Hey Jet-setters, before your next great travel adventure, try to book a non-stop flight if possible. It is so much easier to travel direct. Especially, with all the hassle of connecting flights and issues with lost luggage you might be better off with a direct flight.

7. Air Dry Those Dishes

Modern technology has us all very spoiled. However, taking a little extra time to wash dishes by hand, and allow them to air dry, is the eco-friendly way to cleaning dishes. If you can, choose to air dry your dishes over opting for the easy fix the dishwasher offers.

8. Drink From The Tap

Don’t be scared of drinking from the tap, buy a handy water filter to purify the water. When purchasing bottled water, it is considered a disservice to the environment-even though plastic bottles can be recycled-think about the all the energy that went into creating those easy to grab water bottles for when on the go. Why not buy a reusable water bottle? This way you can help the environment by not needing to purchase bottled water.

9. To Print Or Not To Print?

Think before you print. If it is absolutely necessary then print. Alternatively, when possible, consider sending an email or saving documents on a USB stick.

10. Waste Not Want Not

A saying my mother use to say, “Waste not want not” and she was right. It’s scary how much food is prepared and wasted or even bought and never eaten. All that wasted food ends up in a landfill giving off methane gas. An easy way to reduce this problem, is to plan out your meals ahead of time. Additionally, check out Pinterest for creative ways to cook leftovers.

with love, from one tree hugger to another, xo