People are being encouraged to think about the future of the planet as Earth Hour 2011 takes place this Saturday 26 March, 2011.

Earth Hour is a worldwide initiative where participants undertake to turn off non-essential lights and power appliances for one hour to raise awareness about the need to take action on climate change.128 countries took part in Earth Hour last year, making it the world’s largest global climate change initiative.

Queenstown Lakes District Council arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell said locals were being encouraged to do their bit.

“Small actions can make a big difference, “she said. “Earth Hour organisers have pinpointed three simple actions that could have a big impact if undertaken by every New Zealand household.”

The actions are:

1. Go car-free one day a week
2. Switch all old style light bulbs for new energy efficient ones
3. Turn un-needed appliances off at the wall.

“If every person in New Zealand did these three things, there would be a reduction in emissions of 386,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent per year,” said Mrs Maxwell, “That’s the equivalent of 839,000 journeys from Kaitaia to Invercargill. We’d like to see as many people as possible to unplug for an hour and maybe extend that even further. ”

Free energy efficient bayonet bulbs are available from QLDC offices in both Queenstown and Wanaka until Friday 1 April, 2011.Limit one per person.

ENDS

For more information, contact QLDC arts and events facilitator Jan Maxwell ph (03) 441 0499

By: Andrea Bunting