Turning off light is catching on
THE clock is ticking and the message is simple: increase awareness and reduce consumption.
Clarence Environment Centre member Janet Cavanaugh, said she encouraged all Clarence Valley residents to take part in Earth Hour tonight as the world united to support the largest environmental event in history.
But more than that, Ms Cavanaugh would like to see people take a closer look at their everyday consumption of electricity.
"Earth Hour is an activity that has wider implications than just being a token gesture of turning lights off for an hour," she said.
"Our lives are becoming more and more energy intensive and if we continue along that path we will have no way of reducing our impact on the environment and the planet."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard has joined other world leaders to support Earth Hour 2012.
"What began in Sydney as a simple idea to raise awareness of climate change - to switch off the lights for an hour - has become a global success," Prime Minister Julia Gillard said.
"In 2011, Australia put a carbon price into law and in 2012 Australia begins building our clean energy future.
"In 2011 Australia chose action and everyone taking part in Earth Hour this year has played a part in that."
Australia will be among the first countries to switch off tonight at 8.30pm.
This year, members are encouraged to go Beyond the Hour and commit to lasting action for the planet.
