Earth Hour 2009

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="180" caption="Earth Hour"][/caption]

At 8.30 pm on March 28, 2009, Malaysia took part in the highly publicized and celebrity-sponsored Earth Hour. The Curve shopping complex shut off their exterior lights as did our beloved KLCC Twin Towers. Some mamak restaurants answered the 'lights off' call as well, serving their customers with candles. Many Malaysians did their own part at home, switching off the lights and other non-essential electrical items and appliances for that one hour.

As for me, it was supposed to be an hour in darkness with only the television on for my mom, but the plan expanded to include three of my closest friends. We had fun and laughed alot, taking scary pictures of ourselves holding candles and telling bits of stories. Because all the fans were off, we sweated quite a bit from the still air and one of my friends complained of mosquitoes buzzing around him. Near the end, we even did some tarot card readings. Some of my neighbours seemed to have done their part for Earth Hour too, although I wasn't exactly sure they were even at home. :? The hour seemed to fly by and we were all surprised when my mom announced that it was already 9.30 pm.

[caption id="attachment_1193" align="alignright" width="200" caption="My friend, Sean, giving the thumbs up for Earth Hour"][/caption]

I know that there were differing views regarding Earth Hour in Malaysia. While many wanted to join in 'the fun', others were heard categorizing the worldwide event as a 'publicity stunt' and 'media propaganda'. You can see the difference in their thinking through just their Facebook profile status with some criticizing others for not participating and others claiming that this 'switching off lights event' shouldn't just be during that one hour.

While, of course, some companies were involved in Earth Hour primarily to garner public attention and to perhaps pretend to adopt a 'green attitude' for better public image, there are those who were sincere in participating to reduce global warming. Some companies even made money during the Earth Hour itself by selling T-shirts, reusable bags and other 'green' knick knacks. However, no matter what's their purpose, corporate or individual, you have to admit that public awareness of Earth Hour and what it stands for has penetrated even the densest mind. Ask anybody and I am certain that each person knows what Earth Hour is.

Yes, it is true that we should reduce the amount of wasteful electricity, pollution and carbon footsteps everyday and not just during an organized event, but think about it. For once, in a long time, parts of the world were united in one cause, towards one vision. It is rare for people of different countries of different races with different backgrounds and different opinions to stand together for something that is not a disaster (tsunami, earthquake, war), and you have to admit that Earth Hour managed to do it. Of course, being of different timezones, we weren't all exactly in sync but, hey, look at it like a wave of darkness going around the world. :D

Who knows, maybe next year we'll see the entire world go dark instead of a few participating places scattered here and there. We will hope for something greater and better for all of us in the years to come. 8)

[caption id="attachment_1191" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="The hands that supported Earth Hour"][/caption]