Earth Hour is a very nice gesture in support of the idea of environmental conservation, and to make everyone realize just how much technology has infiltrated everyday lives. It makes people think about just what life would be like were there no electricity for a mere hour, yet provides an experience that is quite a stark contrast to just what we're used to at that time when we do have electrical power.
However, I fear the gesture is very much like what V-day and Christmas have come to mean: A single feel-good day/moment, then back to the usual programming. In light of the demands of everyday life and the routines of work/entertainment, it becomes all too easy to forget about environmental conservation. It is too easy to waste electricity without realizing it. On a large scale, this may mean that the effect Earth Hour has on the big picture can be quite minimal.
Perhaps it would be better if Earth Hour were combined with a daily reminder. A constant presence of a meter, or even one of those cheesy stickers would probably work mighty fine in conjunction with Earth Hour. With enough awareness, it might even be Earth Hour all hours...not just during an artificial lights out hour, but a conservationist lifestyle incorporated into everyday living.
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