The movement seeks that as many people as possible turn off the light and make a commitment to protect nature. Small actions can make a difference.
We usually say, with good reason, that "life changes in a second". And it is true. Remember, for example, when in the month of March 2020, without prior notice and without anesthesia, the pandemic caused by COVID-19 changed our lives. From one day to the next, the life we led was radically transformed and everyday reality was transformed.
Today, the privileged survivors of that terrible situation, which claimed the lives of more than 6,7 million people around the world, we understand that we were given a second chance. And that it is well worth taking advantage of it. Because we already know that life is fragile, that we are exposed to adverse circumstances that are far beyond us.
Another powerful lesson, without a doubt, is that of taking advantage of the moment, the moment we are living, because we do not know what is going to happen next. Because we already know that, perhaps, there will not be an after. In other words, the best day to do what you want to do, what you dream of doing, is TODAY, the present.. Tomorrow may be late, there may be no tomorrow.
It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (The world is crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy) was a famous 1963 film directed by Stanley Kramer. It was a comedy combined with action and adventure, in which several of the best comedians of the time participated.: Jerry Lewis, Buster Keaton, and The Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, and Curly Joe DeRita).
Sixty years later, no longer on the big screen, but in reality, the film seems to come to life. Yes because today more than ever "the world is crazy, crazy, crazy, crazy"Or at least that's the impression it gives. We pay for the inaction of the past, the bad habits and, painfully, the indolence of human beings with our planet.
That is precisely why taking action is no longer an option, but a necessity. Imperious, by the way. And we can no longer get excited about a great change, which may never happen, but rather with being aware that the sum of small efforts translates into great transformations. Small efforts from ordinary people, like you, who love the planet.
For this reason, we invite you to join the activities programmed on the occasion of earth hour. Do you know what it consists of? It is an initiative promoted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which on its website is defined as “the largest independent international organization dedicated to the conservation of nature and the environment”.
Its actions are focused on six major objectives: species, forests, oceans, fresh water, food and climate, and energy. It has more than 5 million members and a global network active through local leadership in more than 100 countries.. “WWF creates effective conservation solutions and works hand in hand with local communities”He says.
Its work follows three transversal lines of action: political and social governance, finance and markets. "WWF works for a living planet and its mission is to stop the degradation of the planet and build a future in which human beings live in harmony with nature.", assures. The entity was created in 1961 and its headquarters are in Gland (Switzerland).
earth hour It emerged in 2007 thanks to the initiative of WWG and the advertising agency Leo Burnett. The objective? Drawing the attention of the international community to the adverse effects and impact of climate change. It is a global movement that invites us to care for the health of our planet and its inhabitants (all species).
The first edition was held in Sydney (Australia), on March 31, 2007. It consisted of a 60-minute blackout (hence the name of the hour), which left monuments and buildings in the dark. It was a symbolic gesture that caught the attention of the world and was also carried out in San Francisco (California, USA), there with the name of the L (lights off).
That solitary and isolated effort had great media coverage, to the point that from the following year more cities and countries joined the initiative. It is estimated that every year, on the last Saturday of March, a voluntary blackout occurs in at least 188 territories. Now, then, it is a global initiative.
The promoters of earth hour they are aware that a 60-minute blackout will not serve to contain the shocking effects of climate change. However, bet that this exercise helps to "Create awareness in people so that their actions are more responsible with the environment". The sum of small efforts translates into large transformations.
"This day reminds us that nature is our life support system, giving us everything we need.: from the air we breathe to the water we drink to the food we eat and that we must stand up for it now to safeguard the health of our planet and, in turn, our own health and well-being.", WWF published on its website.
Iconic places like the Empire State Building, in New York; the monumental hotel The Venetian, in Las Vegas, with its 4.027 suites; the Space Needle, in Seattle, with its 184 meters of altitude and its revolving restaurant, and Chicago's Willis Tower, the third-tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, will participate in this year's 60-minute blackout.
The invitation, for this 2023, go a step beyond the symbolic act of turning off the lights in your office, building or home for one hour, from 20:30 p.m. to 21:30 p.m. local. It is the initiative #KMPorThePlanet #BackToThePlanet. What does it consist of? the motto is “Winning the climate emergency race”, practice exercise during the blackout time.
“It is a challenge that, along with sport and its values, sends a message of hope and encourages teamwork. With the efforts of society, companies, and institutions, we can win the most important race of our lives.: the climate emergency race”, expresses WWF. The idea is to go around the world, travel 40.000 kilometers.
How to take part? These are some of the proposed activities:
- If you like to exercise? Do yoga by candlelight
- If you want to be outdoors? Stargaze or go hiking at night
- If you are a movie fan? Host a movie night
- If you want to reconnect? Meditate with a guide
- If you want to relax? Take a bath in the tub
- If you enjoy taking photos? Photograph the night landscape of your city
- If you are competitive? Get together with your friends and enjoy board games by candlelight
If none of these alternatives appeal to you, try these:
- Turn off all the lights and rest for those 60 minutes, quietly
- Dinner in the dark (of course, prepare the food before the blackout)
- Listen to a podcast (on an environmental topic, of course)
- Improve your knowledge about climate change (for example, read a book)
- Watch an educational video
- Camp in the garden or in the living room of your house with your children
- Pick up trash in your local park or on the streets
- Clean out your closet and donate unused clothes to charity
- Replace non-ecological items in your home with sustainable alternatives
- Install energy-saving light bulbs in your home
- Go for a walk outdoors with your pet and your family
- Use Google Lens to see the plants and animals in your neighborhood
- Order your recycling
- Join the nearest Earth Hour if it is not held in your city or town
“We know that the next 7 years are crucial to stay within planetary limits and below the 1,5°C climate threshold. Otherwise, we will move into a state of irreversible environmental degradation and runaway climate change.", assures WWF on its website. A future that, in light of recent events, we suffer in the present.
“Time is running fast and against us. Earth Hour 2023 alert that you have to act quickly and decisively. This decade must be the turning point where we recognize the value of nature and prioritize its recovery together with that of our climate”, is the reflection made by the managers of this initiative in favor of the planet.
En IOCA Group, we have always been concerned about climate change and its effects, nature conservation and education to create environmental awareness. For this reason, through our own and allied brands we not only offer the market 100% non-polluting products that replace single-use plastics.
In addition, we lead and accompany campañas awareness, cleaning and education with our brands Bevu®, with its line of bottles designed to replace single-use plastic containers, and bentgo, specialized in reusable containers and lunch boxes to take your food wherever you want and maintain healthy habits.
Aware of the dimension of the problem, We already took action and we would love for you to join. As WWF says on its website, “We show courage through our actions, we work for change where it is needed and inspire people and institutions to face the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home”.
And you, will you turn off the lights? Will you join the challenge of going around the world?
If you still can't decide, we invite you to watch these two videos; maybe they will inspire you:
