Here’s a good way to freak out Chris Hadfield, the Canadian commander of the International Space Station — let’s all turn out the lights on Saturday.
Windsorites are being encouraged by the city and local businesses to participate in this year’s Earth Hour, on March 23 at 8:30 p.m.
Last year, more than 7,000 cities and towns in 152 countries and territories across all continents took part, primarily by simply switching off the lights in a symbolic gesture.
Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative begun seven years ago and designed to encourage people to take personal responsibility towards a sustainable future. Some Windsor businesses have participated by organizing larger gatherings, turning off the lights, lighting up candles and serving food that didn’t require burning through power.
Chanoso’s and Oishii restaurants in downtown Windsor will once again celebrate Earth Hour by turning off their lights and reducing all non-essential electrical power for one full hour.
“Earth Hour offers us an opportunity to pitch in, do our part and help raise awareness of the need for climate change action,” said Mat Mathias, co-owner of Chanoso and Oishii Restaurants. “We’re appealing to the community to support climate change initiatives and the long-term sustainability of our environment,” he added.
The two restaurants in the 200 block of Ouellette Avenue will be serving up a candle-lit cold menu selection that includes cucumber and tuna rolls; noodle rolls; apple and avocado walnut salad; chef’s, Oishii and grilled goat cheese salads; tiramisu; cheesecake and chocolate peanut torte. Mathias said the chefs will power down in the kitchen too by employing preparation and cooking techniques that consume less energy while increasing the nutritional value of the raw food menu selections.
Skepticism from the cynics aside, Earth Hour advocates say the event attracts millions of participants, raises global awareness on climate change and shows that individual actions, taken collectively, can add up to making a difference.
The city suggests five things Windsorites can do to prepare for Earth Hour, and which, if continued, can help save money and the environment.
– turn off the lights
– turn down the heat
– shut off computers when not in use (even an idle computer uses energy)
– unplug chargers, clocks, lamps and nightlights
– replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs, which can use 75 per cent less energy and last much longer.
For more information on Earth Hour and different ways to participate, visit www.earthhour.org.
dschmidt@windsorstar.com or twitter.com/schmidtcity
