7 Things to do During Earth Hour

7 Things to do During Earth Hour

26 March, 2009
by: Spoonfed Team

7 Things to do During Earth Hour (that don’t involve sitting in a dark room)

Since its inception in 2005, Earth Hour has become an annual movement championed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that aims to reduce CO2 emissions and reverse our current course of environmental degradation. The premise of the movement is simple, for one hour on Saturday 28th of March, everyone on the planet is asked to make a small sacrifice, turn off unnecessary appliances and lights at 8:30pm local time.

At least 85 countries have given their dedication to the cause, and here in the UK, London, Manchester and Birmingham are among the cities expected to make an attempt to curb electricity usage. While a Saturday evening spent home alone and shrouded in darkness may not seem like everyone’s ideal, London is exciting enough a place to mean stretching Earth Hour to a full day could prove a cinch. Here are seven great earth friendly things to do, whether you’re in London or across the globe, leaving your home, your appliances and your lights dimmed.

7. Go to the symphony
When it comes to music events, your energy-efficient options are fairly limited.  Big concerts include so many lights, speakers, electric instruments or strobes that their carbon footprint is pretty hefty.  Instead, an orchestral performance creates volume with numbers, atmosphere with classics and sound with old fashioned elbow grease.
For Earth Hour, we’re attending the London Concert Choir, 19.30 – 22.30, tickets from £7.

6. Picnic in the park
Pack up the hamper, we’re having pudding in the park. If it’s a clear night, a starlit glass of champagne, some chocolate and a cosy blanket for two could just possibly be a perfect end to any Saturday. 
For Earth Hour, we’ll be quaffing champagne in Hyde Park.

5. Go to a comedy show
With a grand total of one mic and spotlight, comedy is a carbon-light night out. And we all know that global warming is no laughing matter but we’re not ready to forsake the smiles quite yet.
For Earth Hour, we’ll be laughing at Comedy at the Fymfyg Bar, 20.00 – 22.30, tickets from £9.

4. Local sights by night
After a long week (and let’s face it, you didn’t make it to the gym quite as much as you’d planned) a long walk is just the thing to get you fully into relaxed weekend mode. Pick your favourite scenic daytime walk and explore the area at night.
For Earth Hour, we’ll be strolling along the London Southbank.

3. Go to the theatre
If you’re in an area with lots of fringe theatre productions, look for a production with few lights, few props and small cast for a smaller carbon output. You’ll be supporting local theatre and saving the world.
For Earth Hour, we’ll be pondering Victory at the Arcola Theatre, 20.00 – 21.50, tickets from £10.

2. Check out an art exhibit
Admire some local artists by popping into a local art gallery or museum to view some pictures that aren’t on your TV or computer. Try to avoid any modern art that uses lighting or computer or TV screens as its main medium.
For Earth Hour, we’ll be viewing Annette Messager at the Hayward Gallery, open until 22.00, tickets from £5.

1. Visit local venues supporting Earth Hour
The evening is sure to supply loads of options whether you’re in the mood for a bit of theatre, live music, or just a night at the pub. If you’d like to take part in official Earth Hour celebrations in London, some of the landmarks that would be dimming their lights are Nelson’s Column, the Coca Cola signs in Piccadilly Circus, the National Gallery, National Theatre, and the Hayward Gallery.
For Earth Hour, we’ll be turning out the lights in the Spoonfed offices.  Happy Earth Hour!

Ready to take part in Earth Hour? Sign up on the WWF website to show your support! Click here for a list of all things to do in London on Saturday, 28 March.

Spoonfed Team