Why We Don't Observe Earth Hour

Squish and Banana were talking about Earth Hour a couple of weeks ago. For those of you who don't know, Earth Hour is an hour in March when people are encouraged to turn out their lights, turn off TVs and computers and electronics in an effort to get people thinking about the environment, pollution and conservation.

Our town has an annual Lantern Walk that leaves from City Hall. Hubs has taken the kids on it in the past.

So why don't we observe Earth Hour? Are we just that unconcerned about the environment?

No.

Hubs and I have been teaching Squish and Banana to conserve energy since they were old enough to understand that it was the light switch and not magic that made the lights work. We turn off lights when we're not using them. We cook with natural gas, which is faster and more efficient. We turn the water off when brushing our teeth and try to take quick showers. We recycle and compost. We try to avoid using plastic water bottles. We send as little throwaway to school in their lunches as possible. We bought reusable cutlery, containers and drink boxes for that purpose. Most of what my kids throw away at school is compostable - apple cores, orange peels, banana skins.

So why, if we're being conscious every day, do we need to dedicate an hour once a year to remind us of the things we're already doing?

I don't feel we do. Not to say YOU shouldn't observe Earth Hour, but once a year doesn't make enough of a difference in the long run.