Flash Mob raises awareness about Earth Hour

An Eskom initiative, 49M is endorsed by government and business partners, spurring an urgent need for 49 million South Africans to embrace energy savings as a national culture, and joining the global journey towards a sustainable future. Their value proposition is a desire for a better future for all South Africans economically, socially and environmentally.

The action campaign encouraged South Africans to switch off lights and unused appliances during Earth Hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm. The flash mob intentions were in honour of Earth Hour which is the country’s first.

The community showed their support to save electricity when they switched off their lights and applinces for Earth Hour, saving an average of 515 MW during the hour. As part of its support for the Earth Hour campaign, Eskom measured the reduction in electricity used during the hour against typical consumption for this time on an average evening of 19 March.

Eskom encourages people to take action beyond this one hour and to make energy efficiency and environmental conservation part of their daily lifestyles. The community is encouraged to reduce their energy consumption every day by using electricity efficiently, switching off all non-essential lights and household appliances. Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.

In 2007, Australia took a dramatic stand against global warming and their example has now become a global movement. Earth Hour has more than 128 countries that are shining a light on actions to protect the climate. Earth Hour encourages societies to take action beyond the one hour and incorporate energy-efficient behaviour as an everyday lifestyle.

Details: Follow 49M on their Facebook page