While the ongoing climate crisis is worrying, each and every human being on Planet Earth has a role to play in protecting the environment, and what better way to do this than to usher in Earth Hour with more than just a click of a switch.
Organised by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), this year’s event will take place today, where people are encouraged to turn-off all lights from 8.30pm-9.30pm as a symbol of solidarity for the fight against climate change.
Here are some ideas on how you could make this year’s celebration more meaningful.
1. Sign up for WWF-Malaysia’s Earth Hour Virtual Run
Why not get fitter while doing your part for nature?
WWF-Malaysia will be holding its Earth Hour Virtual Run from March 27 till April 22. Runners can participate in either the 10km or 40km categories, and the runs can be completed in one go or accumulated over the duration of the event.
In addition to the e-certificate and e-bib, runners will also get an eco-friendly jersey made from recycled PET drink bottles, as well as a finisher medal made from recycled wood.
Proceeds from the run will be channelled into WWF-Malaysia’s conservation efforts.
2. GoodBuy! Bazaar
From March 24-27 (10am-8pm), head on to GoodBuy! Bazaar at Central Market.
Organised by not-for-profit environmental organisation EcoKnights, this event brings together more than 10 vendors selling a variety of zero-waste and eco-friendly products.
In addition to food and beverages from social enterprises, there will be workshops and talks on sustainable lifestyles, lucky draws, as well as live music and film screenings.
Visitors are also encouraged to bring along their recyclable plastic items as there will be a Plastic Collection Campaign.
Some of the participating vendors include, among others, Tanamera, Fuze Ecoteer, WWF-Malaysia, Biogreen, Bohomys, and The Honey Heart.
Don’t forget to bring along your reusable bags as this is a no-plastic event.
3. Documentary Marathon
There is no shortage of environmental documentaries that are both informative and compelling, so why not spend the weekend on your couch with a documentary marathon?
Some of the critically-acclaimed, life-changing documentaries include “Seaspiracy”, “My Octopus Teacher”, “David Attenborough: A Life on our Planet”, and “2040”.
Besides paid streaming services such as Netflix, you can also watch quite a few documentaries on YouTube.
4. Add a potted plant to your home
There are many studies that show that plants keep you healthier and happier, so why not get a potted plant (or two) for your home?
Even if you don’t have a balcony, an indoor plant beside the window or on your study table would help clean the air and improve your mood.
Better yet, you could get edible plants such as mint, basil and lemongrass that you could add to your meals.
Other easy-to-grow plants include cili padi, lettuce, thyme and kangkung.
5. Buy eco-friendly gifts for loved ones
Why not surprise a loved one with an eco-friendly gift?
Or better still, if you purchase merchandise from environmental NGOs, you’re indirectly helping them in their conservation efforts as proceeds go into funding their various projects.
You can get beautiful batik bags, sarongs and purses from MareCet, reusable face masks that come with a drawstring pouch from WWF-Malaysia, bamboo cutlery sets from the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), t-shirts and children’s books from The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, among others.
Sign up for WWF-Malaysia’s Earth Hour Virtual Run here.
Don’t forget to also check out these eco-friendly merchandise from MareCet, WWF-Malaysia, the MalaysianNature Society as well as the Borneo SunBear Conservation Centre.