Earth Hour March 28

Mark your calendar! Saturday is Earth Hour. For our time zone it starts at 8:30 EST and last for 60 minutes. They have a goal of one billion people switching off their lights this year. You could be part of this movement.

Participation is simple: turn off your lights for one hour. That is all it takes to be a part of this initiate by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). However many people are taking it a bit further. Some plan to not use any electricity during that time, and others are planning on not using any lights for the full 24 hours.

The start time for us hits right after the sun goes down, but after the kids go to bed. So we will need to use alternative light sources, or wouldn't it be great if we just went to bed early?

Here are some ideas for other ways to be lights or electricity free for one hour:

Use Flashlights Now this does speak to the letter of the law, but ultimately you are just delaying the energy use to a later time when you recharge the batteries. But a flashlight compared to a house full of lights, would go a long way to making a statement.

Burn Candles The much more romantic option, candles are also a cheaper light source. Just keep them safely out of reach of kids, pets, or fabrics.

Watch the Stars Hoping for a clear night, this would be a great chance to check out the night sky. Do some research ahead of time to see what constellations might be in view in your area.

Go for a walk If your city is not participating, you could take advantage of their street lights, or take a flashlight. Many times you will be surprised at how your eyes adjust to the darkness, and you may find that you don't need a light source. However, always keep safety first.

Have a bonfire The spring nights are a perfect temperature to be outside snuggled in front of a cozy fire. Our 100 year old house has a fireplace on the front porch, and this would be the ideal time to use it. (We are not sure of what its original purpose was. It's depth does not seem practical for cooking, and it does not have the pot hooks that were traditional for fireplace cooking.)

Play Games Hide and go Seek are perfect for in the dark, and we have always loved playing Sardines. (Sardines is a backwards hide and seek - one person hides while everyone counts. Then each person has to find "the hider." When found, "the finder" joins the "hider" in the hiding place. As each person finds the hiding spot they all have to join in until the are packed in like Sardines.)

Are you planning on Participating in Earth hour? What are you going to do with your darkness?