The City of Evanston’s Office of Sustainability reminds residents that this Saturday, March 26, marks the fifth annual Earth Hour presented locally by ComEd and supported globally by the WWF. Earth Hour is a global movement in support of a more sustainable future for the planet. Last year, hundreds of millions around the world turned out their lights in support of Earth Hour. A record 128 countries and territories joined the global display of climate action.

Watch the Official Earth Hour 2011 video here

The City of Evanston is proud to support Earth Hour again this year. City facilities will be turning off their lights between 8:30 and 9:30 pm and we encourage you to do the same.

The focus of Earth Hour 2011 is about going beyond the hour and is focusing on asking people to take additional steps in their daily lives to make our world a better place. We are luck to have a community that already has so many on-going programs that help us take the next step to reduce our impact on the planet and make world a better place to live.

  • Reduce your residential energy usage today and every day. Track your usage and support the “Big 7 Savers Challenge” by signing up for the CUB EnergySavers on-line tool. Visit www.cubenergysaver.com/evanston to pick a team and start saving energy and money
  • Reduce your reliance on your car and increase your use of public transit and your bicycle to get around town. Check out the city’s Area Bike Map to plan your bike trip by taking routes designed for bike traffic.
  • Reduce your use of potable water for outdoor uses by capturing rainwater using a rain barrel. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago is gain selling rain barrels at a discounted price. Visit their website for information about ordering a rain barrel and pick-dates and locations.
  • Or better yet, shop at a local Evanston business to purchase a rain barrel that has the look, size and functionality that you need. Check out the new green products store YES Green Living on Central Street to purchase or order a wide range of products to help make your home and lifestyle more sustainable.