At 8.30pm on Saturday March 23, 2012 York Region residents will turn out their lights to pay homage to Earth Hour. This symbolic event unites millions of people around the world who are collectively working together to ensure our planet prospers for future generations.
Since Earth Hour was adopted by Canada in 2008, York Region residents have risen to the challenge of powering down for one hour. PowerStream, the local distribution company that services much of York Region reported 7.8% less electricity used in 2012 between 8:30 and 9:30pm, in comparison to a typical consumption pattern normally experienced on a similar type of day.
In reflecting on the true meaning of Earth Hour it raises the question – why wait until March 23 at 8:30pm to make a difference in saving energy or working to reduce climate change? Why not make small changes throughout the year? Small changes like carpooling or taking public transit will help reduce vehicle emissions and pollution. You can hop aboard a viva or YRT bus for the day, we would be happy to see you.
Once vivaNext rapidway construction is complete it will improve travel times and help create great renewed destinations to live, work, shop and play in Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Newmarket.
If we all tried, even for one day, to reduce our environmental footprint it would be a symbolic demonstration of our commitment to reducing climate change. Don’t forget to power down this Earth Hour, our planet will thank you.
[poll id=”41″]
One reply on “Why wait for Earth Hour? We can take steps to protect the planet today!”
No option on the poll for “Nothing this is a complete waste of time.”
Earth Hour has made the point and has been dieng down year after year. It should be replaced by “Earth Year” as saving energy and resources should be an everyday thing instead of a single hour thing.
DaleA: Hi Michael,
Thank you very much for your comment. We at vivaNext completely agree, it would be great if everyone did their part to save energy and resources every day. We think that taking transit is another positive step to take toward protecting the environment.