Okotoks residents are encouraged to unplug this weekend and exchange their phones and televisions for a little fresh air and education.
Earth Hour takes place on March 25 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The worldwide initiative began 10 years ago as a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) educational campaign to raise awareness of climate change.
Over the past decade, Earth Hour has developed into a global movement, with millions of people turning out their lights for 60 minutes in the name of climate change action. According to the WWF website, in 2016 there were 178 countries and territories involved in Earth Hour. More than 400 major landmarks darkened for an entire hour and more than 6,600 events were logged on digital maps.
In Okotoks, residents are invited to unplug and join the Town for a guided Earth Hour walk along the Sheep River, led by museum specialist Kathy Coutts.
It’s the second time the Okotoks Museum and Archives has hosted a walk to recognize Earth Hour. Last year, the walk traversed downtown Okotoks as Coutts shared historical facts about the town.
“I’ll be sharing little bits of historical facts about the river and the importance the river has had on Okotoks and the people, both in terms of industry as well as recreation, and of course as a means of water,” said Coutts.
The walk will begin at 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Okotoks Museum and Archives. From there, the group will walk along the river and across the Laurie Boyd Bridge, and loop around back to the museum. It should take about an hour, said Coutts.
There is no charge for the walk, and no need to register in advance. Coutts said the walk will happen rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to dress for the weather.
It’s going to be a great way to observe Earth Hour, she said.
“People are encouraged to get unplugged, turn off the lights, use less electricity,” said Coutts. “Rather than sitting at home in the dark, they can come and learn a bit about the river and enjoy a walk at the same time. You can’t beat that.”
Okotoks environment and sustainability co-ordinator Dawn Smith said the walk is the only event to be hosted by the Town for Earth Hour.
However, the Town is running a contest for residents to enter after the hour is up. Everyone is encouraged to share photos and stories of how they and their families spent Earth Hour to the Town’s Facebook or Twitter pages, she said.
“We’ll choose some from that group and feature them on the website a well, on the home page and on the sustainability page,” said Smith.
People are also encouraged to submit entries showing how they spend Earth Hour to Fortis Alberta’s website and be entered to win a prize pack, she said.
“I’m sure people get up to some pretty interesting stuff, so it will be nice to see,” said Smith.
Ideas range from getting outside to playing board games by candlelight, she said. There is a lot of room for creativity and Smith said she’s curious to see the activities that come up.
Smith said, the idea behind Earth Hour extends beyond the 60-minute period without out lights. It’s more about living lightly on the earth all year long, she said.
“That’s kind of our motto in Okotoks,” said Smith. “In Environment Week, the t-shirts we give out, the slogan we typically go with is, ‘Earth Day is every day in Okotoks.’”
She said Earth Hour is still a nice reminder for people to get together and celebrate action on climate change and unplug from their electronics.
In some larger cities there are massive shut-downs reported, which she said is a tribute to how important people believe the climate change issue is.
Turning out the lights could also have a positive impact on younger children, she said.
“And it’s a good chance to educate your kids, especially if they’re younger, because it’s a memorable event,” said Smith. “It’s a different thing than you do from the every day, so it’s a nice way to educate children.”
To enter the Town of Okotoks or Fortis Alberta contests after Earth Hour, visit www.okotoks.ca.
