Renewable supplier seeks best ideas for "fun with the lights out"
Good Energy, the UK's leading dedicated supplier of 100% renewable electricity, is urging its customers to switch off their power and enjoy life in the dark to celebrate Earth Hour.
Juliet Davenport, founder and CEO of Good Energy, said: "You might not expect your electricity supplier to be asking you to turn your lights off, but that's exactly what we're doing on Saturday 28th March. That's because, wherever you are in the world, from 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm, the world will be plunged into darkness for this year's Earth Hour. In our opinion, something that raises the profile of this issue and encourages a change in behaviour is a good thing."
Earth Hour is a global WWF climate change initiative which invites individuals, businesses, governments and communities to turn out their lights for one hour on one day of the year to show their support for action on climate change.
The event began in Sydney in 2007, when 2 million people switched off their lights. In 2008, more than 50 million people around the globe participated. In 2009, Earth Hour aims to reach out to 1 billion people in 1,000 cities and act as the first ever global election, in which people vote for planet Earth (and against climate change) simply by switching off their lights.
Some of the world's best-known landmarks are getting involved too; the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House and Golden Gate Bridge will switch off, and our very own London Eye will be dimmed in support.
Juliet Davenport added: "Good Energy is excited to be part of something huge that will be a clearly visible sign of a global desire to do something concrete to tackle climate change, and we hope all of our customers will get involved too. There are lots of things you can do in the dark which involve the whole family - host a murder mystery evening, set out on a torch-lit treasure hunt, or take the opportunity to observe what goes on in your garden by night! We're looking forward to hearing your best suggestions."
If you do decide to live for an hour by torch-light, make sure it's of the eco-friendly variety. Visit the Good Energy Shop to stock up on eco-friendly lighting and fun gizmos such as the penguin squeezing torch and firewinder wind-powered outdoor light to make the hour of darkness an exciting affair. For the week leading up to Earth Hour, all orders over £30 will receive a great little box of 8 soy tea lights, packaged using recycled, degradable materials, absolutely free.*
Good Energy is running a competition in honour of Earth Hour, inviting people to think of an inventive way to spend their hour in the dark. Ideas should be posted on the Good Energy Shop blog, www.good-energy.typepad.com/shop and the most original suggestion will win a £50 voucher to spend on anything at the Good Energy Shop**.
*Offer valid on orders over £30 (including post and packaging) placed between 20/03/09 and 29/03/09 while stocks last. No alternatives available.
** Entries must be submitted via the Good Energy Shop (GES) blog between 20/03/09 and 29/03/09. Entries will be moderated by the GES, and will not appear until they have approved them. No responsibility will be accepted for corrupted, lost or late entries. Open to UK residents only. The competition will be judged by GES, whose decision is final. The winner will be notified and emailed a £50 Good Energy Shop voucher by 10/04/09. No alternative prize available.