Businesses, Landmarks, and Homes Will Turn Off Lights for One Hour

On March 28^th, 2009, much of the world will go dark for one hour. The reason: Earth Hour. The tradition began three years ago to help symbolize the importance of saving energy. From 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time, people around the world are encouraged to participate.

Businesses, famous landmarks, and homes will turn off their lights to prove how vital it is to conserve our resources. The idea of Earth Hour is to show everyone how easy it really is to conserve energy. The hope is that those who participate will begin to turn off any unnecessary lights, appliances, and electronics in everyday life. By creating a worldwide energy saving event, the message reaches millions. If millions begin cutting off an extra light or turning off the television when they're away, the world could be a much greener place.

With green being the newest trend, Earth Hour is more popular than ever before. The event actually began in Australia and has spread across the world. Hopefully, millions more will participate than last year. There are already 2,400 cities signed up to participate this year alone.

According to Yahoo Green, most of the Las Vegas Strip and the Welcome to Las Vegas sign will go dark. Only the machines indoors will stay on. This will be the first time the Welcome sign has gone dark for an entire hour. In addition to Las Vegas, other famous landmarks are turning off the lights. Yahoo Green states that the Empire State Building, Eiffel Tower, Sears Tower, and Great Pyramids will all turn off their lights for Earth Hour.

Research in Motion has partnered with Earth Hour to encourage Blackberry and iPhone users to shut down their beloved cell phones for one hour. Information on how to participate and to receive updates, visit Earth Hour's home page.

Earth Hour can be used to create a fun family night or a romantic night for couples. Candlelight can be used to play board games or eat dinner. Families can camp out in their living rooms and tell ghost stories or make crafts. While we're saving energy, we can remember what it's like to step away from electricity and simply enjoy being together.

Whether you participate in Earth Hour or not, start a trend of energy conservation at home by remembering to always turn off lights, appliances, and electronics that aren't being used. You can help save the Earth and save yourself money.

For more information, visit Earth Hour's home page.