Brother, can you spare an hour?

(NC)—If your hydro bills aren't already screaming for you to conserve electricity, Earth Hour gives you another reason to do so. On Saturday March 31st, from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., individuals, businesses, and governments around the world will take action to reduce their impact on the environment for Earth Hour.

This action usually includes switching off non-essential lights and avoiding electronics. But then, what will you do for a whole hour? Here are a few ideas:

Enjoy the night by candlelight. Candles can add romance, mystery, and intrigue to any occasion. Set up a few candles and picnic in your living room, share funny stories, or look through old photo albums with your kids. Just be sure to either use 100% beeswax or soy candles, which are much better for the environment than the regular paraffin wax ones.

Go stargazing. Far from the Brangelina variety, get out your telescope and see if you can identify any constellations. Stargazing is a great way to take advantage of the darkness and admire the beauty of the planet.

Be social. Invite neighbours and friends over for a night of dimly lit board games, cards, or charades.

And then, even after Earth Hour ends, we might challenge ourselves to keep the lights off for the rest of the night, supporters say.

In developing countries, for example, electricity is a luxury that most cannot afford. Indeed, you might like to know that Organizations like Christian Children's Fund of Canada help children and families in these countries by providing gift catalogue items like an oil lamp and fuel for $60, so children can continue to do their schoolwork after the sun sets, or $65 for a cooking stove fueled by vegetable waste instead of wood.

www.newscanada.com

Articles are provided free of charge. Articles appearing on web sites, must credit www.newscanada.com. Articles appearing in Print, must credit News Canada with (NC) at beginning of an article or – News Canada at the end. Any source/sponsor of the information quoted in the text must also be identified as presented. Images are only to be used with corresponding editorial copy. Usage of News Canada articles constitutes your acceptance of these terms and an agreement between you and News Canada.