Earth Hour and Pesticides in Canada

Tonight marks the global movement of Earth Hour. My original grand visions of a get together were lost into thin air...so tonight will be simple and hopefully relaxing. There have been some opinions circulating on the web about how "green" Earth Hour really is. That burning paraffin candles is not good for the climate since paraffin is a derivative of crude oil. (You can read more about paraffin candles vs. soy candles here.) That people may only participate to be "trendy" and not because they really want to make a difference. While it is very true that paraffin wax is bad and everyone should be educated on the truth of what is in these candles, I think those that are putting down this movement because of candles are missing a very big point. The scale of Earth Hour in the very short time that it has been happening is amazing.

"Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness." (from earthhour.org)

In a mere two years look at how this has changed things. This is about spreading the word. Talking, sharing and learning from each other. For some of us who are doing our best to make our global footprint smaller this day is not huge in terms of our everyday impact. What it is for us all is a chance to unite in a simple way. Unplugging your life for a hour is not rocket science. Anyone can do it. If all you have are paraffin candles then burn them. If you can afford more eco friendly candles then more power to you. If you do this because your best friend or a celebrity says it's the cool thing to do...who cares? You are still doing it. And the earth regardless of an hour's tiny contribution in the grand scheme of it's life span will thanks you regardless. I thank you. Thank you.
Please turn off your lights, unplug your appliances and feel thankful that at 9:31pm you have power to turn back on. You will not be alone. Earth Hour: tonight 8:30pm to 9:30pm. In all time zones, all over the world.

In other earth activist news please head on over to the David Suzuki Foundation website and fill out a quick form letter to send to your governmental representatives regarding the work towards banning pesticides across Canada. Ontario and Quebec have already banned these harmful chemicals and more work is being done to extend this ban across Canada. This is an easy and effective way to let your elected representatives know that we want these chemicals gone. You can make a difference. Hey, I'm a the glass is half full kind of gal.