Media release

Lights go out for Earth Hour 2012

Hamilton’s main dining and hospitality boulevards will be a little more ambient on Saturday night, 31 March, when streetlights are turned off for Earth Hour 2012.

Earth Hour is a worldwide event aimed at raising awareness of climate change and how people, communities, businesses and nations can work to limit its causes and reduce resource use. Launched in 2007, more than 5000 cities and towns around the world took part last year, and 2012 will be the fourth year Hamilton has been involved.

For Earth Hour 2012, Hamilton City Council will switch off streetlights on Hood Street and Victoria Street (between Bryce Street and Hood Street) and in Garden Place for one hour from 8.30pm. Street entertainment, including fire dancers, will be provided while the lights are out in the central city, although lighting under eatery and bar verandahs will stay on.

Mayor Julie Hardaker says: "Earth Hour is a chance for Hamiltonians, businesses and organisations to think about their impact on the planet and make changes to reduce their consumption of energy and resources and I am encouraging everyone to get behind this.”

During the day, Hamilton residents can also visit the open day at the city’s new RCN E-Cycle Hamilton facility, where households and organisations can dispose of their electronic waste. Two-hundred kowhai trees will also be given away at the facility, and the open day starts at 10am.

Residents who choose to stay home for Earth Hour can take part by turning off lights and appliances for one hour. A range of resources focussed on how businesses and organisations can reduce their electricity and resource use long-term are available from www.earthhour.org.

Earth Hour commences at 8.30pm on Saturday, 31 March.
ENDS

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