Doing the Singapore's Part in Earth Day 2009

Earth Hour starts ticking
By Tania Tan

SIXTY black balloons dotted the sky over the Hort Park on Wednesday as drums sounded to launch Earth Hour 2009.

The 60 orbs represented the minutes of the hour during which people are encouraged to turn off their lights, in a symbolic gesture to support the fight against climate change.

Spearheaded by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Earth Hour gained international recognition after its inaugural launch in Sydney last year), with over 74 cities pledging their involvement.

WWF Singapore wants to see some one million people taking part during Earth Hour at 8.30pm on March 28, and hopefully throughout 2009 as well.

Already, companies like Microsoft and Meritus Hotels & Resorts - parent company of Meritus Mandarin and Marina Mandarin Hotels - have pledged their participation.

'It's not just about that one hour, it's about taking action in our everyday lives,' said WWF Singapore's managing director Amy Ho.

Using a fan instead of the air-conditioning, turning off lights not in use, and recycling plastic bottles are just some of the simple changes people can make to combat climate change, she added.

For more information and to get involved visit www.earthhour.org.