By Mzukona Mantshontsho
For an hour at 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 22 March 2025 people on all seven continents, will switch off their lights in a symbolic gesture to call on World Leaders to create a climate deal that will keep global warming below two degrees.
South Africa participated for the first time in 2009. Earth Hour in 2009 got around 4 million South Africans participating. While the amount of energy saved by turning off your lights for an hour may be considered relatively small, the combined energy saved by millions of South Africans making the effort to reduce their carbon foot-print will be substantial.
The World Wide Fund South Africa is challenging individuals, businesses and communities to take the lead by pledging to reduce their own carbon footprint at www.wwf.org.za.
Pledge your support online and spread the word to your friends, family, colleagues and of course, on Saturday 22 March 2025 at 8.30pm, switch off your lights.
Some Useful Tips for each Household:
1. Fit a geyser blanket to your geyser if it does not already have one,
2. Turn the geyser thermostat down,
3. Shower instead of bathing,
4. Turn the geyser off completely when you are not using hot water,
5. Dry clothes on a wash line rather than a tumble dryer,
6. Switch off your appliances at the wall when they are not in use – devices like cellphone chargers drain electricity even when they are not in use,
7. Check that your fridge and freezer doors seal properly – replace the seal if they do not,
8. Cook small amounts of food in a microwave oven and large amounts in a normal oven,
9. Keep your air-conditioners’ filters clean,
10. Replace your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient ones,
11. Insulate the ceiling of your home,
12. Do not use your swimming pool pump more than you need to – use a timer and keep the filter clean, and
13. Fill your dishwasher completely before switching it on.
