Get Caledon involved in Earth Hour

Last March 31, people in Sydney, Australia embarked on a campaign to raise awareness on the issue of global warming.

The goal of the campaign was very simple - to compel as many Sydney residents, businesses and politicians as possible to join together in turning off all non-essential lighting for one hour at 8 p.m. It was a great success, with more than two million people participating, including 2,100 businesses. In one hour, the draw on the electrical grid dropped by more than 10 per cent (the equivalent of removing 50,000 cars off the road that one hour).

Although the physical reduction on electrical demand was impressive, it was nothing compared to the symbolic effect this action had across the world. The action of the City of Sydney received national and international attention. It proved that the collective action of individual residents and businesses could send a profound message to local, national and international governments that people care deeply about this issue and expect them to take real action to address it.

This year the campaign has cities from around the world (some very close to home) participating including Toronto (and many GTA cities as well), Tel Aviv, Chicago, Copenhagen, Manila, and all the large cities in Australia to name some.

The Town of Caledon will be discussing its possible participation at the March 4 council meeting. I urge all residents and businesses to consider participating in this campaign.

There is a Web site (www.wwf.ca/earthhour) with lots of information and a great video on Earth Hour.

Caledon was voted the greenest town in Ontario and it makes perfect sense that we have a strong involvement in Earth Hour this year. Help make Caledon's voice heard by turning your lights off March 29 at 8 p.m. for one hour.
Rob Mezzapelli.
Bolton