Help the Planet by Going Dark for One Hour This Saturday

This Saturday night between 8:30 and 9:30 local time, millions of people around the world will be switching off their lights in recognition of Earth Hour. The World Wildlife Foundation launched the movement in Sydney, Australia, in 2007 in an effort to raise awareness of climate change, and last year over 172 countries participated. 

If you're interested in getting involved, don't think you need to sit at home in the dark for 60 minutes to show your solidarity. Many restaurants will be turning off their non-essential lights and hosting candlelit dinners in honor of the event. Even major companies like Walgreens, Hilton, and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have been known to participate on a national scale, as well as hit Broadway plays like Kinky Boots and landmarks like Big Ben. Though, if you do plan on going out that night, don't forget to walk or ride your bike to your destination. 

Earth Hour isn't about saving energy by unplugging once a year: The purpose is to create energy-saving habits that become part of your daily life. Small changes liking taking shorter showers, air drying dishes, and turning off electronics when you're not in the room can have a positive impact on the environment as well as your monthly utility bills.