Earth Hour takes place on Saturday, 26 March, between 8:30pm and 9:30pm. Usually, this hour calls for lights to be switched off in an effort to conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions as much as possible. However, with load shedding being so prevalent in South Africa, many citizens are probably not too keen to switch their power off on purpose.
Luckily, there are many ways to participate in Earth Hour without compromising your precious electricity. These different activities are great for conserving energy, cutting down on greenhouse gases and making a difference to the environment. We’d recommend doing these things often, not just once a year during Earth Hour.
IWESCO is a leading contract cleaning and waste control company. We hold ISO 14001 certification for environmental management, so Earth Hour and other eco-friendly initiatives always have our support. We use environmentally-friendly cleaning products and processes as much as we can in order to minimise our carbon footprint and impact on the planet.
Take part in a nature-affiliated event
Earth Hour is not about switching off lights but rather putting nature at the forefront of life. Find a nature-inspired event in your area and make an effort to participate with family and friends. Facebook can be a great way to find these events nearby, which can include activities such as community clean-ups, outdoor runs and environmental donation drives. Almost every major city in South Africa will have some sort of eco-event planned for Earth Hour.
Have dinner under the stars during Earth Hour
Winter is fast approaching so now is one of the last chances for a while to enjoy a cosy dinner under the night sky. This is a great way to bond with your family or friends and make Earth Hour one to remember. You don’t even have to prepare a three-course meal; a simple picnic or some leftovers will be perfect. It’s a great way to enjoy being outside if you do switch your lights off, or if there is load shedding at the time.
Challenge yourself physically
Exercising in nature can be a wonderful way to feel more connected to the planet. Whether you prefer to walk, run, cycle or swim - challenge yourself to do some form of outdoor exercise this weekend. To make it better, get your loved ones to take part too. Group activities strengthen bonds and encourage healthy competition. Visit your nearest park, beach, forest, promenade or hill and be mindful of the planet while taking part in any outdoor activity.
Watch an educational nature documentary
If you’re not an outdoorsy person, then explore nature from the comfort of your couch. A great nature documentary can be inspiring, educational and have a lasting impact on your perception of the planet. There are so many local and international films on animals, ecosystems and the planet as a whole. These can motivate people to make positive changes in their lives for the benefit of Earth.
Commit to climate change
Make a pledge during Earth Hour to change a few small parts of your life. These don’t have to be major steps, like becoming a vegan. Simple acts can make a huge difference, such as recycling more, taking paper bags to the shops, buying unpackaged fruits and vegetables, or even conserving water in the home. Challenge your family and friends to do the same. Making a promise during Earth Hour can instill long-term positive changes that ultimately help the environment.
When cleaning your home or office, choose a contract cleaner that holds ISO 14001 certification and that uses eco-friendly practices. IWESCO also offers garden maintenance services to keep your outdoor environment in pristine condition. For more information about our services or to request a quote, please contact us today.
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IWESCO offers specialised cleaning and waste control services to industrial and commercial customers in South Africa. These services are aimed at minimising our customers’ impact on the environment. Our services also include pest control, garden maintenance, fogging and disinfecting. Our staff are highly trained to offer the most professional services. IWESCO is a Level 2 B-BBEE supplier with ISO 14001 certification for environmental management.
We are a one-stop shop for all your contract cleaning and waste control needs and have a national footprint. Our head office is located in Tshwane but we can provide services to any industrial and commercial client in the major metropolitan areas around South Africa, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mbombela and more.
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