In the largest call to action on climate change in history, Illinoisans will join millions around the world in turning off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – on Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m. Last year, more than 80 million people in over 300 US cities and nearly a billion people around the world participated in Earth Hour. Lights dimmed on iconic global structures including Willis Tower in Chicago, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sydney’s Opera House and the Great Pyramids of Giza.
This year, the World Wildlife Fund is looking to expand its US campaign to encourage all 50 states to participate in Earth Hour.
Earth Hour 2010: How to Participate
• Register your business, school, organization or individual participation at www.EarthHourUS.org
• Turn off your lights from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 27
• During that hour replace your old light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs
• Commit to reducing your energy consumption in the year ahead
Earth Hour 2009: Participation by the Numbers
Chicago served as a US flagship city for Earth Hour in 2009. In addition to Chicago, more than 35 municipalities across Illinois participated in Earth Hour. Other highlights included:
• More than 1,400 businesses, retailers, restaurants, hotels and schools
• More than 200 downtown buildings
• State Capitol Dome and all State of Illinois government buildings
• Nearly 500 McDonald’s
• Nearly 200 Walgreens
• 15 museums and parks
• 9 colleges and universities
• 8 theater marquees
Earth Hour Illinois 2010 is presented by ComEd and is a partnership of the World Wildlife Fund, ComEd, the City of Chicago and Leo Burnett.