It's lights out for downtown Oshawa

Saturday, March 26 marks the fifth anniversary of Earth Hour. In 2007, 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses in Sydney, Australia switched off their lights for an hour to raise awareness and take a stand against climate change.

Over the past five years, the WWF-organized event has grown into a global sustainability movement with more than 128 countries and 1 billion people taking part around the globe.
The City of Oshawa is actively taking part in Earth Hour celebrations. They are challenging residents to turn off their lights and all other non-essential power from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. For their part, The City of Oshawa will once again reduce energy use and turn off all non-essential lights at City Hall and other city facilities.
“I know the environment is important to us all and participating in Earth Hour is only one small way we can assist to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said councillor John Aker, chair of the Development Services Committee. “I encourage everyone to join this worthwhile endeavour.”
The community is also invited to the Oshawa Film and Drum Night at the Oshawa Public Libraries – McLaughlin Auditorium. Hosted by the Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee and the Foundation for Building Sustainable Communities, this event will include film, fun and drumming. Attendees can participate or just enjoy the drumming sounds as they rock their carbon footprint. Celebrations start at 7 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. and spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information about Oshawa’s Earth Hour, visit www.oshawa.ca and click on the “Earth Hour” logo featured “In the Spotlight”.

Story and images: Amanda Allison