Turn off the lights on March 27

Neo Chai Chin, Today Online 26 Feb 10;

It partnered furniture retailer Ikea to launch the "No to free plastic bags" campaign in 2007, and last year, its Earth Hour campaign led to a 42-megawatt drop in electricity consumption here, with an estimated 40 per cent of Singapore's population taking part.

WWF Singapore is now inviting the public to switch off their lights on March 27 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm for this year's Earth Hour.

The first international non-governmental organisation to set up office here in 2006, it started with "virtually nothing" and now boasts a team of seven, including staff from France and Britain, said managing director Amy Ho, 39, who joined in 2008.

From corporate engagement in its early days, efforts have now expanded to educate the masses on climate change, and marine and forest conservation.

The group would consider publishing more consumer guides if its Singapore Seafood guide is well received, said Ms Ho.

More details on the WWF-Singapore website and on wildsingapore happenings.