Have you heard about Earth Hour? I just recently stumbled across the idea and have to admit that I’m very intrigued by the whole concept. It basically asks that everyone turn off their lights and any other non-essential electronics between the time of 8-9 pm in whatever time zone you live in. The idea is that we would all reduce our carbon footprint simultaneously and have a greater positive impact on the environment. Here’s a great before and after pic of Sydney, Australia (where it all started last year) and the article I read that started it all for me (click on the pic to get there).

Earth Hour’s website has a list of suggestions of what to do for that hour in the dark. Of course, the best suggestion I heard was to get outside and SEE the stars. Especially in cities where a lot of people and companies are participating, you might ACTUALLY be able to see the glow of the Milky Way, or at least a few stars here and there. In fact, there’s even an movement called, National Dark-Sky Week, that says that 90 percent or more of all Americans younger than 18 have never seen the glow of the Milky Way galaxy with their own eyes!

Whatever you decide to do, it’s a great opportunity to discuss environmental issues with your kiddos and to just do something ‘out of the norm’ for some family time. Have a Happy Earth Hour!!