Earth Hour ideas
JOBURG - For seven years, on the last Saturday in March, millions of people the world over have switched off their lights for Earth Hour.
Here are two ideas to help make this symbolic gesture more meaningful this weekend.
Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo managing director Bulumko Nelana invited young and old to set up camp on the zoo’s lawns, against the backdrop of the lion enclosure, for an unforgettable night.
“Bonfires will be lit around the campsite, and from 6.30pm until 8pm, visitors will brave the zoo at night… The sounds of the wild will accompany them as they venture on a walking tour,” he said.
The lights will be switched off between 8pm and 9pm, to coincide with the global initiative of support to combat climate change.
“Beyond the symbolic 60 minutes of darkness, Earth Hour has developed into a powerful, global, citizen-driven movement of progressive change for the environment,” said Nelana.
People who would like to camp at the zoo must arrive at the Anglogold Ashanti Conference Centre gate from 5pm. The last entry will be at 6pm.
If you’d rather spend Earth Hour at home, but would still like to brush up on going green, Jozi Food Market at Pirates Sports Club, Braeside Road, Greenside, will offer a special programme on the morning of 29 March. According to spokesperson Ingrid Goncalves, people will be able to learn more about recycling, turning trash into treasure through upcycling, community gardens, biodegradable products, vegan produce, energy-saving products, and products to use during power outages.
The outdoor artisans’ market will take place from 8.30am until 1.30pm.
World Wildlife Fund South Africa division spokesperson Pedzi Gozo called on residents to make a public promise by posting their answers to the question, “How do you honour the earth?” on the Earth Hour website.
“If we all add our voice by sharing our promise, we not only uphold our own best intentions, but we can motivate those around us,” said Gozo.
“The growing collection of promises forms an inspiring overview of the varied actions that everyday citizens are taking to make a difference.
Details: Joburg Zoo 011 646 2000; www.jhbzoo.org.za; Jozi Food Market 083 532 2992; www.jozifoodmarket.co.za; Earth Hour www.earthhour.org
