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Thousands people participated in Earth Hour Unplugged in Christchurch Cathedral Square from 6pm to 10pm on Saturday 28 March 2009, witnessing the lights of ChristChurch Cathedral and Chalice switched off, and enjoying a free concert.
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No doubt, Christchurch was one of the first cities in the world to switch off its lights in Earth Hour 2009 (8:30-9:30pm).
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Earth Hour is a global event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and is held on the last Saturday of March annually, asking households and businesses to turn off their non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.
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Over one billion people in more than 4,000 cities and towns in 88 countries around the globe took part in Earth Hour 2009, reported by WWF.
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Christchurch landmark - Cathedral with lights on
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Christchurch Cathedral with lights off
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Christchurch Cathedral in dark
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New Zealand company staff gave away 2 Ecobulb to everyone attending Earth Hour in Cathedral Square. 'Switch on to Ecobulb energy savers and save up to NZ$2,300 worth of energy costs over the life of the bulbs!'
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You would get five chances of prize draw if you signed up in Energy Week information desk.
The funny mistake happened in the dark - Andrea Smit(female) took away the $850 prize of Andrew Smith(male) because of the similar pronunciation or different accent. |
The energy efficient prizes for the audiences included a home insulation package, new bike, solar lights, an eco-office package and an energy audit of your home.
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An energy awareness expo was held in the Square to promote energy-efficient products and services in Earth Hour event.
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Christchurch's electricity use dipped 8.1% during Earth Hour 2009, failing to match last year's 12.8% saving, probably due to the big events on Saturday night, such as Crusaders vs Stormers Super 14 rugby match at AMI Stadium, the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra and a wedding at the Town Hall.
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Sir Kerry Burke, Chairperson of Environment Canterbury (in the middle with a hat) and Yani Johanson, Christchurch City Councillor checked out Earth Hour in Cathedral Square.
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Easy ways to save money and stay warm:
- buy a plug board and plug the TV, video, radio and computer into it, it's easy to switch them all off at the wall which potentially saves you $15 a year. - Switch off anything with a litle ready light: each light uses 5 watts to shine. Find 10 and you can potentially save $65 a year. - Use compact fluorescent lamps that may save you $6 each a year. - Place a lid on cooking pot, not only do you retain more heat in the pot to shorten the cooking time; you also reduce the moisture in your home. - Open the windows at mid day - refresh the air in your home with warm air on clear days. You also reduce the humidity levels making it easier to heat your home. - Close the curtains at sundown - thermally lined curtains may reduce heat loss by up to 30%, also keep the glass clean to allow the sunlight in. |
Earth Hour inspires people to make simple changes to their everyday lives to reduce their impact on the planet.
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Environment photos were displayed on a big screen during Earth Hour 2009 in Cathedral Square.
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The amount of energy saving during Earth Hour was relatively small, but its real purpose was in raising the awareness and profile of energy efficiency.
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candlelit party in Cathedral Square
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Solar Bright - think of solar energy system in your home for the sake of energy efficiency and long-term money saving despite its relatively high cost
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The local musicians were passionate to entertain you with four hours of continuous music.
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Lights out, fun started on the candlelit stage.
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Several short films (including 'Inconvenience') were screened inside the cathedral.
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Energy Awareness Week(28 March - 4 April) : experts on sustainable transport; business; building design; homes; and renewable energy will present free seminars at the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Free bus tours to various sites demonstrating innovative energy efficiency will also be held during the week. |
Along with 50 million people in 35 countries, 63% of Christchurch residents took part in Earth Hour 2008 when it was the only New Zealand city involved.
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''Switch it off'' T-shirt in Earth Hour 2008
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A local busker entertained the audiences in Earth Hour 2008 on Christchurch Cathedral Square.
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Earth Hour is not just about being GREEN. It's about translating Earth Hour into simple everyday actions Earth Hour every hour, about the sustainable way of living now and future.
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关灯1小时不能够解决所有的地球能源及环境问题,但能够引导人们去思考.我觉得这是一个很值得推广的公益活动!
XIA · 2009-03-29: 22:33
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