Now in its third year, Earth Hour will bring together cities from across the world in an effort to call attention to the climate change epidemic. World icons, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House and the Sears Tower plunge into darkness for Earth Hour in hopes of making bigger strides to reduce our worldwide energy consumption.

Earth Hour is an initiative started by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in 2007. Originating in Sydney, the event has gone on to include over 1000 cities and will reach new heights this year with three of the world’s tallest buildings, the new Burj Khalifa in Dubai, CN Tower in Toronto and Taipei 101 in Taiwan – going dark for the global event. The actions shown by cities of the world and their inhabitants are crucial to leading a low-carbon resolution to climate change, says Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley. “By turning the lights off for Earth Hour, cities are reflecting the aspirations of their citizens as a community that has resolved to take action on global warming.”

Last year, 2.2 million Sydney homes and businesses participated in the event. There are a number of ways that Sydneysiders can take their green initiatives further and make a difference for the planet. Here are some ideas:

1. Switch off the lights – if nothing else, Earth Hour is about saving energy whenever possible and reducing our need for fossil fuels. Turning off lights when they’re not in use is one of the simplest things we can do to make a real difference.
2. Limit your showers – Australia is one of the driest continents on the planet, which means we have to be water conscious. By installing a water efficient shower head and limiting our showers to 4 minutes, we can do our part to save one of nature’s most vital resources.
3. Cold power – when possible, wash your laundry in cold water. Much of the energy used by your washing machine is spent on heating up the water. Line-dry when you can and minimise the use of the clothes dryer.
4. Go energy efficient – make the switch to low energy light globes. If you’re looking to buy white goods and new appliances, opt for energy efficient models. Energy Star Ratings are there to help you make smart choices about your energy consumption.
5. Reduce your waste – refuse plastic bags, re-use and recycle what you can. Being eco conscious is about reinventing your mindset to be more aware of unnecessary wastage. Be smart about your lifestyle and spare a thought for our planet.

In Sydney for Earth Hour? Make your trip eco friendly by checking the Quality Hotel Cambridge. We’re encouraging  guests to switch off the lights for Earth Hour and come downstairs for candle lit drinks at the bar – with free nibblies! Here at Quality Hotel Cambridge we make every effort to be energy efficient and eco friendly.