Residents in town and around the world are encouraged to turn off their lights Saturday night between the hours of 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. as part of a push to raise awareness about climate change.
The town has agreed to turn off the decorative lights on the town green Saturday and host an event in honor of what is called Earth Hour.
According to Christina Griffin, of Gaffney Bennett Public Relations, Earth Hour takes place around the globe from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m., whenever that time comes up in a person’s time zone.
Earth Hour began in 2007 and has caught the attention of people around the world. According to the website, more than 4,000 cities participated in the event last year. The idea of the event is that, if everyone in the world used less energy for even 60 minutes per day, big changes would result.
The event is being sponsored locally by Brownie Troop 66117, Clean Energy Communities and the Connecticut Light and Power Co.’s Energize Connecticut program.
Rebecca Meyer, program administrator for CL&P, said the company will have representatives at the event selling energy saving light bulbs and promoting the Home Energy Solutions program for customers. Meyer explained that the program allows CL&P customers to have an energy assessment done in their homes for a fee, and a contractor can be available to make on-the-spot improvements.
Earth Hour originated in Australia, where Meyer is from.
“Something as simple as turning off the light can make a difference,” Meyer said.
Meyer said she hopes town residents will learn about new ways to save both energy and money by reducing the amount of power that is used on a daily basis. She also said that the company tries to focus on what the youth can do to get involved.
“It’s rewarding to see the Girl Scouts partake in the event,” Meyer said.
Those who cannot attend the event on the town green can still participate in Earth Hour by shutting off non-essential electronic devices for the 60-minute period tonight.
For those who do make it to the Southington green, there will be a live band, Girl Scout cookies for sale, family-friendly activities and information booths set up for residents to learn more about energy saving products from CL&P.