GREEN SPACE: Earth Hour calls for lights out across the globe, Metro Detroit, Saturday at 8:30 p.m.

metromode, 3/26/2009

Earth Hour 2009 is taking off in a big way, globally and locally. It's a one-hour voluntary statement of concern for climate change sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund in which supporters turn off all non-essential lights for one hour -- between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.

Cate Blanchett's on board. And so is Detroit Mayor Ken Cockrel, Jr.

The Great Pyramids of Gaza in Egypt, New York City's Rockefeller Center, and the Acropolis in Athens, Greece will go dark. So will The Emory in Ferndale.

This gesture may seem minor in the larger scheme of icebergs-melting, species-disappearing things. But gestures can add up. And with 190 U.S. cities getting on board, it is symbolic gestures that maybe, just maybe, will grab the attention of the masses.

So, turn off your TV, your bathroom light, and that one you never shut off in the basement. Let your eyes adjust to that crazy thing called the dark. See? It's not that scary!

Ann Arbor, Dearborn Heights, Detroit and Ferndale might be a little less bright on Friday night, but as participating cities, they are leading the way in promoting conversation about energy usage.

If you feel like celebrating the world's largest climate event ever, head to The Emory, where dollar-off drinks and candlelight will mark the occasion.

Source: Jennifer Harlan, The Night Move
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh

Sustainability

Ann Arbor , Dearborn , Detroit , Ferndale