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#TIL that Earth Hour is the global movement to raise awareness and unite people to take action on environmental issues and protect the planet. It began as a lights out event in Sydney, Australia on 31 March 2007. Since then, the event has inspired and garnered support from millions of people from more than 185 countries and territories. #EarthHour takes place annually at the end of March. In 2024, the one-hour switch off event will happen on 23 March.
In Singapore, our beautiful city skyline goes dark for an hour every year to commemorate Earth Hour and show our support for a climate-resilient planet. But doing our part for the environment requires more than simply flipping off a switch. It means forming good habits and making deliberate choices in our daily lives.
Singapore’s commitment to environmental sustainability started way back in the early days of independence. Campaigns such as “Keep Singapore Clean” and “Tree Planting Day” were introduced. The effort to promote environmental stewardship was taken further in the 1990s with the Clean and Green campaign – we conducted recycling drives, beach clean-ups and cleanliness competitions for housing blocks. Over the years, we have learnt to practise good habits daily by taking public transport to reduce carbon emissions, saying “no” to straws and plastic bags and re-using tote bags, recycling rainwater for non-potable purposes such as for toilet flushing, switching off the lights and power when we do not need them. These are but some of the ways that we can play a part to protect the environment that we live in.
#DidYouKnow that since 2023, Earth Hour has gone beyond just flipping the switch? It’s now about spending that hour doing positive for the Earth. Hold down on this reel for ideas on what to do this #EarthHour! https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHe53meScgi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Let's not underestimate the power of small gestures. Every little action counts when it comes to saving the earth – because it is the only home that we have.