How many of you knew about Earth Hour? You might even be asking… what is it? Well, on March 29th from 8 to 9 pm people around the world turned out their lights as a symbolic gesture to promote action on global climate change. I know it’s a little late to be involved this year, however, by the looks of it there will be an Earth Hour 2009.

Did you observe? Luckily, thanks to my niece, we heard about it and even observed it (during my mom’s birthday party in fact!). It’s a little disappointing we didn’t have better publicity of the event in the Pacific Northwest, a place where we care so much about our beautiful surroundings.

What are ways we can help support this fantastic event in 2009, especially as businesses? Well, creative ideas to embrace the darkness is a good start. Perhaps restaurants can provide “candle light dinners”. Here at Architechtronics, we are brainstorming how participate as a business next year… we’ll find something creative for sure!

Until then, what can we all do to save a little electricity and water both in the workplace and at home? Here are a few ideas:

HOME:

• Change out your light bulbs to CFL’s
• Utilize motion sensors for infrequently used areas
• Consider the use of modern technology: Save energy with lighting and temperature control or consider managing your irrigation system by letting the system automatically keeping the water off if it has rained in the last 24 hours.
• If in building or remodeling, consider “green materials”

WORK:

• Simply shut down your computers at night
• At night, use technology to cut the power to outlets with things that pull power, even when in the off state (microwaves, printers, coffee machines, etc)
• Make sure all the lights are out at the end of the day
• Consider what you are printing… can it be digitally archived?
• Recycle paper, bottles, cans
• Dispose of old computers, print cartridges responsibly

Of course, the possibilities are to many to list here. If you’d like to add your own ideas, add them in the comments below.