Earth Hour: What actions can we take to help?

This Saturday, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 190 countries of the world will join the so-called Earth Hour, promoted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

This event has been held since 2007 and began in Australia when Thousands of people turned off the lights in order to tackle climate change.

The WWF pointed out that this year’s motto is “Shape our future” and that the event is “an opportunity for people around the world to recognize the vital role that nature plays in our health and well-being, as well as the role key that all of us must fulfill to protect it”.

Pollution, abuse of resources, extreme weather events and loss of biodiversity put the planet and all the beings that inhabit it at risk.

“From adopt more responsible and sustainable consumption habitsto inspire, demand and encourage other actors in our societies -companies and governments- to make immediate and comprehensive decisions to give way to the social, economic and ecological transformation that we need to reverse these situations”, said Tarsicio Granizo, director of the organization in Ecuador.

From home or in everyday life, citizens have the opportunity to contribute to reducing excessive consumption, these are some of the actions to be carried out:

Feeding

• Reduce consumption of meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
• Do not consume overexploited species.
• Feed yourself with seasonal products.
• Check expiration dates so you don’t have to throw away food.
• Avoid buying large quantities.
• Plan meals.
• Apply the compost.

Mobilization

• Use public transport or alternative means such as bicycle, with this it reduces the circulation of cars.
• Keep the car in good condition so that it is fuel efficient.
• Try to make direct flights to your destinations.
• Plan vacations in your country.

plastics

• Avoid using plastic covers and asking for them in supermarkets.
• Use suitable bags (reusable) to carry your purchases.
• Reduce the use of plastic bottles and cups.
• If you regularly bring food, do it in reusable containers.

Water

• Close the faucets while you are not using it.
• Take advantage of the dishwasher or washing machine so that liters of water are not wasted with a few dishes or clothes.
• Install low-flow shower heads.
• Take short showers.
• Fix water leaks.
• Water the garden at night.

Electricity

• Turn off unused lights and electronic devices.
• Dry clothes outdoors or on a clothesline.
• Regulate the air conditioning or heater.
• Time the air conditioner so it doesn’t stay on all night.

Source: WWF and Katarina Zdraljevic, representative of Banco ProCredit. (I)