Yuen Sin Straits Times 19 Mar 11;
THE Earth Hour logo is familiar to many - that bold six and zero imprinted with the world map.
But the logo for the yearly event in which people switch off the lights for 60 minutes in a symbolic show of environmental awareness has taken on a plus sign this year to become '60+'. In other words, everyone is being invited to go 'beyond the hour'.
A slew of new initiatives and events has been lined up for Earth Hour this year, to be observed next Saturday. For starters, the movement has launched a global online platform and an iPhone application, along with a campaign to encourage Singaporeans to become more energy efficient.
Mr Andy Ridley, the co-founder and executive director of Earth Hour, told reporters this month: 'It's through the collective action of individuals and organisations that we'll be able to truly make a difference, which is why we're urging people across the planet to share how they will go beyond the hour this Earth Hour.'
So besides turning the lights off between 8.30pm and 9.30pm next Saturday, Singaporeans may go to www.beyondthehour.org to type out - in 120 keystrokes or fewer - the concrete steps they have taken towards living in a more environmentally sustainable manner. Those with Apple iPhones may download 60+ from the Apple iTunes store. With the app, iPhone users can earn virtual badges by committing to, for example, using natural lighting whenever possible; they can also share news about their virtual badges with their friends via social networking sites like Facebook.
The drive to go green among organisations and individuals will call for air-conditioning temperatures to be set at 24 deg C or higher, which maximises energy efficiency and cost savings. Resorts World Sentosa and more than 50 malls, hotels and retailers under the Orchard Road Business Association have pledged their commitment to this.
CapitaLand, which runs more than 30 shopping malls, residential and commercial properties here, will organise a 'Wear Less Day' on Friday - on which its tenants will be encouraged to dress down as temperatures are turned up.
Other events lined up for next Saturday include the 3.5km Earth Hour Night Walk organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore in Marina Bay during Earth Hour. Participants pay $15 each; those aged 12 or under can walk for free.
A free concert and carnival will be held at The Promontory@Marina Bay from 5.30pm, after which the award-winning environmental documentary The Age of Stupid will be screened.
The Marymount Ladies Group will sell bags, jewellery and other items made from recycled materials at the carnival, with the proceeds going to underprivileged women and children in the Philippines.
