9 Earth Hour Activities to Enjoy in the dark This Year
This post is all about the nine best Earth Hour activities you can do in the dark to show your commitment to planet Earth.
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Earth Hour is a global event first started to raise awareness about the environmental issues our planet is facing. It symbolises our commitment to the planet. Every year at the end of March, millions join together in a collective display of climate action by turning off their lights for one hour.
This year, Earth Hour is happening on Sat, 22 Mar 2025, 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm.
I’m always looking for things I can take part in to help preserve our planet. Earth Hour was one of the global initiatives that I knew I could do and raise awareness about, too.
What is the purpose of Earth Hour?
Earth Hour was initiated by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly concerning climate change and nature loss.
It began in 2007 as a symbolic act encouraging individuals, communities, and businesses to switch off non-essential lights for one hour. It usually happens on the last Saturday of March at 20:30 local time. The idea originated in Sydney, Australia, when residents and businesses switched off their lights for one hour to call for urgent change and combat the climate crisis.
Since then, Earth Hour has grown worldwide, with millions from over 190 countries participating yearly.
I have always been a fan of Sir David Attenborough. He said, ‘We have to recognise that the Earth and its oceans are finite. We need to show mutual restraint‘, and it is so true.
Does Earth Hour make a difference?
Turning off lights for an hour on one Saturday night might not significantly impact on its own. Still, the attention it generates can spark conversations and inspire individuals to take action to reduce their carbon footprint.
It also encourages communities and businesses to reflect on their energy usage and consider long-term changes.
This collective action sends a powerful message to policymakers, showing public support for environmental protection and pushing them to take action on climate change.
What happens in Earth Hour?
During Earth Hour, various activities are organised to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable actions. From candlelit dinners and stargazing to nature walks and game nights, there are plenty of simple yet meaningful ways to participate.
Earth Hour also extends beyond the hour itself, inspiring individuals and communities to make long-term commitments to reduce their ecological footprint and support environmental initiatives.
It’s an excellent opportunity for people to learn about critical environmental issues and become part of the solution.
Research has shown that people more connected with nature are usually happier, which couldn’t be truer for me!
I start feeling slightly off if I haven’t been outside even for one day.
So, let’s get into the 9 Earth Hour Activities that will help you to be part of the solution:
9 Eco-Friendly Earth Hour Activities to Do in the Dark
1. Stargazing
Enjoy the reduced light pollution and indulge in stargazing from your garden or balcony. It’s a tranquil activity that will remind you of nature’s beauty. I suggest bringing a blanket and lying down to get the whole experience.
2. Campfire
Gather around a fire pit and take turns sharing personal experiences, folktales, or tales of environmental conservation.
Or have a cheeky glass of champagne like me here to celebrate. It’s a great way to connect with others and reflect on the importance of protecting the planet.
3. Read a Book
Turn all your electronic devices off, light candles and read a book!
Reading a good book is one of my favourite things to do, so if I’m not around the fire pit, this will be the activity I choose.
4. Reflection/ Meditation
Earth Hour is also a time for introspection. Take some quiet candle-lit moments to reflect on your impact on the planet and think about ways you can reduce your carbon footprint in your daily life.
Consider meditating on your connection to nature and the Earth.
5. Outdoor Yoga or Pilates
Participate in an outdoor yoga or pilates class or host your own in the garden to reconnect with nature and promote physical and mental well-being.
6. Games Night
Play board games, card games or acoustic music. Engage in conversations and quality time with your loved ones without the distractions of screens.
Or organise a candlelit games night with eco-friendly games to share joy with your friends during Earth Hour. It’s a time to laugh, bond, and create memories without needing electronics.
7. Nature Walk
Organise a lantern-lit walk to explore and appreciate the local nature. This can be a pure moment to enjoy the night-time environment consciously.
Use this opportunity to appreciate the natural space around you.
8. Candle Lit Dinner
This is the perfect opportunity to host a sustainable potluck dinner, inviting friends to bring dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Not only will this minimise carbon footprint, but it also initiates conversations about food and sustainability.
9. Starlight Picnic
Have a candlelit picnic under the stars (if the weather allows) with friends or family.
Prepare the picnic using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients to reduce your carbon footprint further.
Sustainable Actions Beyond Earth Hour
Daily Practices for a Healthier Planet
Making daily choices that favour the planet can massively reduce your carbon footprint.
Here’s how you can help:
Switch to renewable energy– Opt for green energy providers to decrease your reliance on fossil fuels if possible.
Reduce household energy use– Consider energy-efficient appliances and remember to turn off lights when not in use.
Conserve water– Fix leaks and install water-saving fixtures. Your actions contribute to overall resource efficiency.
Choose sustainable food– Eating more plant-based meals can lower the impact on ecosystems.
Minimise waste– Embrace recycling, composting, and a zero-waste lifestyle.
Community Projects and Long-Term Initiatives– Participate in projects that have a lasting positive impact on the environment, such as:
Tree planting campaigns– Engage in or organise local efforts to combat deforestation and restore ecosystems.
Protecting nature reserves– Support initiatives that safeguard endangered habitats.
Sustainable transportation programs– Advocate for cycling lanes, public transport, and carpooling to reduce overall carbon footprint.
Educational workshops– Raise awareness and educate others about environmental protection and energy consumption.
Earth Hour symbolises unity, so let’s all come together to demonstrate our collective power in addressing environmental challenges.
It serves as a reminder that each small act, whether it’s turning off lights, using public transportation, or conserving energy, plays a crucial role in the future of our planet.
The power of social media is also so strong that let’s use Earth Hour to share our experiences about this special event so we can make a difference.
Note: Earth Hour is not to be confused with Earth Day. Find out more about Earth Day here.
9 Earth Hour Activities to Do in the Dark
Other posts you may be interested in:
29 EXCITING WAYS TO CELEBRATE EARTH DAY THIS YEAR
