Lights Out America

We recently learned of a group called "Lights Out America," a grassroots community group focused on conserving energy and slowing global warming. This Saturday, October 20, from 8-9 pm in San Francisco, the entire city is invited to turn out all non essential lighting for one hour, and to install one compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) instead. According to its home page: "We estimate that turning lights out in San Francisco for even one hour could save as much as 15 percent of the energy consumed on an average Saturday night." Los Angeles and Santa Barbara are also taking part on this day, and efforts are being made nationwide, culminating in a national "Lights Out," on March 29, 2008, from 8-9 pm. These events are inspired by a similar event recently held in Sydney, Australia, called "Earth Hour." In Sydney, 2.2 million people participated. Their one hour of lights out meant that 24.86 tons of carbon dioxide were not released into the air - the equivalent of taking 48,613 cars off the road for one hour! The web site (see links) features a blog, ways to get involved, upcoming events, and ways to donate as well. We think this is an idea whose time has come, and plan on participating. See you on Saturday...and lights out!