On Saturday, 22 March 2025, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm South African time, the world will dim its lights to celebrate Earth Hour. This inspiring event began as a grassroots movement in Sydney, Australia in 2007, when communities were encouraged to switch off their lights for one hour as a powerful symbol of our commitment to the planet. Today, Earth Hour has evolved into a global movement, uniting communities, businesses, and individuals to take action for a more sustainable future. As proud South Africans, we have a unique opportunity to join this initiative and demonstrate our dedication to environmental stewardship.
How to Participate
There are numerous ways to get involved, and one of the key actions is “banking your hour.” By registering your commitment on earthhour.org or through the WWF South Africa portal, you contribute to a collective effort that saw over 1.4 million hours banked globally in 2024. Whether you choose to switch off your lights, support a local environmental project, or simply raise awareness about climate change, every effort counts.
You can participate in any of these exciting categories:
- Fitness and Wellness
- Nature
- Food
- Sustainability
- Arts and Creativity
- Entertainment
Ideas for Your Earth Hour
Fitness and Wellness
Embrace the great outdoors and reconnect with nature by engaging in activities that benefit both your body and the environment:
- Outdoor Adventures: Explore the breathtaking landscapes within the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR). Whether it’s a scenic nature walk or an adventurous trail, take time to appreciate our diverse ecosystems.
- Local Exploration: From the majestic Swartberg Mountains in Prince Albert to the picturesque coastline from Witsand to Glentana, the GCBR regions has endless possibilities for exploration.
- Mindful Movement: Organise a sunrise or sunset yoga session in a local park. This not only promotes physical wellness but also provides an opportunity to meditate on our connection with nature.
- Group Activities: Consider joining or organising a community run or a cycling event that celebrates Earth Hour. Such activities encourage community spirit and a shared commitment to a healthier planet.
Nature
Dedicate time to nurture the environment around you with activities that foster a deeper connection with nature:
- Gardening and Tree Planting: Spend an hour in your garden or plant a tree in your community. Even small actions like these contribute to a greener future.
- Community Clean-Ups: Organise or join a local clean-up initiative in your neighbourhood, park, or beach. This not only beautifies the area but also raises awareness about environmental protection.
- Wildlife Watching: South Africa is home to a rich array of birdlife and indigenous flora. Engage in bird watching at a nearby nature reserve or simply take a leisurely walk while observing local wildlife.
- Family Engagement: Play interactive games outdoors with your children and teach them about the importance of biodiversity. Consider activities like a scavenger hunt in your local park that focuses on natural elements.
Food
Explore sustainable eating practices and adopt habits that promote a healthier lifestyle for both you and the planet:
- Home Gardening: Plant vegetables or herbs in your garden or on your balcony to reduce your carbon footprint. Growing your own food connects you with nature and supports local biodiversity.
- Local Markets: Visit a farmers’ market to source fresh, locally grown seasonal produce.
- Sustainable Dining: Host a sustainable potluck dinner with friends and family where everyone contributes a plant-based dish. This is an excellent way to share local flavours and reduce reliance on meat.
- Waste Reduction: Rethink your food consumption by reducing food waste. Learn to compost kitchen scraps at home and explore meatless meal options even for a single day.
Sustainability
Take practical steps towards making your home and community greener by incorporating sustainable practices:
- Resource Conservation: Evaluate your household energy consumption and implement changes such as switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs or installing water-saving fixtures. Small adjustments can lead to significant savings in the long run.
- Upcycling Projects: Get creative by repurposing old clothing or furniture. Consider organising a community swap event where neighbours exchange items instead of purchasing new ones.
- DIY Home Projects: Tackle a home improvement project that focuses on sustainability, like creating a rainwater harvesting system or insulating your home better to conserve energy.
- Sustainable Living Workshops: Look out for local workshops or community sessions that focus on eco-friendly practices and learn from experts how to incorporate sustainability into everyday life.
Arts and Creativity
Let your creative side shine by using your talents to celebrate and protect the natural world:
- Bug Hotels: Build a bug hotel with your family to support local insect populations. This fun project not only educates about the importance of insects in our ecosystem but also adds a unique element to your garden.
- Nature-Inspired Art: Take a nature walk and collect natural objects—leaves, twigs, or stones—to create art pieces like collages, sculptures, or even nature journals that document the beauty around you.
- Photography and Writing: Capture the stunning landscapes of South Africa with your camera or write poetry inspired by the natural world. Sharing your work on social media can inspire others to appreciate and protect our environment.
- Community Arts: Join local art classes or eco-friendly workshops that focus on sustainable practices. Engage with artists who are passionate about the environment, and perhaps even exhibit your creations in a community show.
Entertainment
Turn Earth Hour into an opportunity to relax, learn, and enjoy the natural wonders of our world through various forms of entertainment:
- Documentary Nights: Gather your family or friends for a movie night featuring inspiring nature documentaries and films that spotlight climate change and conservation efforts.
- Book Clubs: Start or join a book club that focuses on environmental themes. Reading and discussing literature that highlights nature and sustainability can broaden your perspective.
- Cultural Visits: Plan an evening at a museum or cultural centre that explores South Africa’s rich natural history.
- Stargazing: With our urban areas often bright with city lights, Earth Hour is the perfect time to find a dark sky spot for stargazing. Whether at a local park or a designated dark sky reserve, enjoy the celestial display and reflect on the beauty of our universe.
Final Thoughts
Earth Hour is more than just a momentary switch-off—it’s a call to action. The possibilities for dedicating one hour to our planet are truly endless. Whether you’re enjoying an invigorating outdoor adventure, engaging in a creative project, or embracing sustainable living practices, every small step contributes to a larger global impact.
This Earth Hour, let’s unite to share our stories, inspire our communities, and give back to our beautiful environment. Embrace the challenge, make your hour count, and let’s celebrate our Earth together!