Switch off for Earth Hour

by Christine McLaughlin

The WWF wants 1 billion people to switch off their lights tomorrow for an hour from 8.30pm.  This brilliant idea is designed to get people thinking about reducing their carbon footprint.  Now in its fourth year, however, the event is in danger of becoming an annual ritual that allows people to think they are doing 'something' to prevent the impending climate chaos without actually taking effective action. 
The only way we can hope to avert disaster on a global scale is by acting immediately on a personal and political level.  Our homes, offices and places of leisure are flooding the environment with toxic emissions.  We all need to take responsibility for the future.  We all know how to reduce our environmental footprint with simple steps such as turning down the thermostat, recycling more, buying fewer clothes, conserving water or eating less meat, so why not choose to mark Earth Hour with one or two resolutions that will make a difference to the Earth and its inhabitants?
Politically, the only choice for our communities and our planet is the Green Party.  We stand for social justice and environmental responsibility.  Our policies are innovative and dynamic: find out more about them here.  Vote Margaret Westbrook in Trafford for a greener future.