Welcome to Carbon News Monthly for March 31, 2010 where we find out what others have been up to in the world of carbon-footprint-reduction.

Did you participate in Earth Hour last week-end?

We did, but we didn't need to go out of our way to do it.

I realize many people don't think that shutting down the electricity for an hour means much, especially if everything is blazing again after the hour is up. Seems to defeat the purpose, doesn't it?

I think Earth Hour serves another purpose.

The good it does for that one hour is one thing, and the stand it is meant to take by everyone globally to cut carbon footprints is another as well.

To me, what can be gained from going through the motions of participating for the first time is realizing what is running and doesn't need to be. That's where the awareness and the education comes in. Commonsense as well for just everyday living.

If everyone is sitting in the living room, why are the lights in the kids' bedrooms on? (and there are no kids home)

Who left the basement light on? Not using the coffee machine until tomorrow morning? Why is it plugged in and continuously flashing lights?

Simple things you become aware of, but only if you are looking for the first time, and for the sake of something to participate in. I think Earth Hour serves that purpose well.

Lower Numbers This Year?

Earth Hour power reduction wasn't as high in the city of Toronto this year apparently as it was last year. They claim it was colder this year than at the same time last year, so more electricity was needed. Other people said that non-essential lighting was off as much as possible on an everyday basis anyway, so maybe they thought what was the point?

Still, lights dimmed as usual starting with Australia,(where the idea of Earth Hour originated) and followed globally.

Security and safety is an issue that can't be ignored, and so the lights at the Eiffel Tower in Paris France were only dimmed for 5 minutes instead of 60 minutes. Because of those same reasons, some lights in different areas of the globe didn't go off at all.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Touches Everyone

People from several Edmonton churches shared tips recently on reducing their carbon footprints at a day-long workshop called Living Faithfully in Oil Country.

Small steps taking place, like banning styrofoam, recycling as much as possible, and even trying to raise money for toilets that use much less water have become important to some large church groups within as many churches as possible.

Don't forget Earth Day coming up April 22nd.

Do something good for this planet of ours and participate in your community, on your own street, or add to reducing your footprints at home in some new way. Visit Earth Day for more additional and interesting information.

As others strive to do their part towards green living improvements, let's still continue to do ours!

Happy Easter!

Until next time,



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