Since 2007, on the last Saturday in March, lights in public places, large buildings or in one's own home have been switched off around the world for one hour. In this way, people, companies and cities are setting an example for climate protection and our planet.
It's that time again on March 25, 2023! At 8:30 p.m. local time the lights will be turned off for one hour! In this blog post you will find everything you need to know about Earth Hour, from the origins and meaning of Earth Hour to a participation guide.
The Making of Earth Hour
In 2007, WWF Australia set itself the task of reducing the Australian city of Sidney's CO₂ emissions by 5% within one year. Earth Hour was the start of the campaign: on March 31, 2007, more than 2.2 million households took part in Earth Hour, making history. Since then, more and more people have taken part in this campaign every year to set an example for climate protection.
Earth Hour 2023 - Together for more climate protection
As already mentioned, this year's Earth Hour will take place on March 25, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. local time. Earth Hour 2023 is particularly important, especially after a year with extreme weather events, an energy crisis based on fossil fuel dependencies and constantly changing political priorities: With this campaign we are jointly calling for more decisive climate protection measures. Because: The climate crisis won’t wait.
How can I take part in Earth Hour 2023?
Everyone can participate in Earth Hour by turning off the lights for one hour on March 25, 2023 at 8:30 p.m. Take a photo or video of yourself turning off the lights and post it on social media to show your participation in Earth Hour. It's best to use the hashtags #LichtAus and #EarthHour.
Here are a few ideas to spend this one hour with your friends and family:
1) Candlelight dinner with your loved ones
How about you cook a delicious dinner with your friends or family before Earth Hour begins, for example with our Easy To Mixes, and then eat it in the candlelight during the hour?
2) Spend time with friends and family
No matter whether you call a family member or a good friend in one hour or play a fun board game with the people around you by candlelight - enjoy time with your loved ones in one hour.
3) Connect with nature
Grab a flashlight and go for a 1-hour evening walk with your family or friends. Take a deep breath and take a look at the starry sky!
4) Look at your dark city
There is something very special when the city is completely dark. Spend the time in places that are normally well lit, such as the town hall square. Be amazed at how dark it can suddenly be.
This is what Earth Hour brings to the climate
Earth Hour is not primarily about saving energy, but rather about a symbolic signal that is sent by turning off the lights. In this way you make it clear that you demand more commitment from politics and business to environmental and climate protection. So join in and turn off your lights on March 25, 2023 at 8:30 p.m.!
The “Earth Hour” campaign brings energy savings and awareness. People all over the world think about climate and environmental protection, and many actions take place around this day. In 2007, the Ökoinstitut calculated the savings potential for Germany. Result: 343 tons of CO₂ saved in 5 minutes. That's 4,116 tons of CO₂ per hour.
This isn't an infinite amount, but it's still something. Earth Hour mainly serves to raise awareness and as a symbolic act for climate protection. And it is important that more attention is focused on climate change again.
Saving energy beyond Earth Hour
Of course, saving energy shouldn't be a short event. Everyone should also think about possible additional energy saving measures. For example:
1) Due to their powder form, our vegan foods do not require an energy-consuming cold chain, which makes them more sustainable than other foods. A generally vegan diet is more environmentally friendly than excessive meat consumption.
2) Install an energy-saving shower head: This will save you around 365 kilograms per year CO2 .
3) Use LED lamps: If you replace ten light bulbs with LED lamps, you will avoid around 190 kilograms of CO 2 every year.
4) Turn off electrical appliances: It's not just worth turning off the lights. All other electrical devices should also be switched off completely when not in use (no standby!). Savings potential: 170 kilograms of CO 2 per year.
