An environmental charity is marking the recent spring equinox by launching an eight-day initiative designed to inspire the community to take positive action.

Eugene Dean, the executive director of Greenrock, explained that the annual celestial event where the sun crosses the equator, which took place this year on March 20, is when night and day run in equal lengths.

Mr Dean said: “For a brief time, the world exists in near-perfect balance.”

He explained that the 8 Days of Balance campaign — which began on March 20 and continues until March 28 when Bermuda will join millions around the world in celebrating Earth Hour — is “a call to move from awareness to responsibility, from reflection to action”.

He said each of the days highlights a system that sustains life such as soil, oceans, pollinators and freshwater, and that all of the parts are interconnected.

Mr Dean said: “The timing of this campaign is intentional. The spring equinox reminds us what balance looks like. Earth Hour asks us what we are prepared to do to protect it.

“Throughout these eight days, everyone is encouraged to take practical, meaningful steps such as supporting local farmers and fishers, reducing waste, conserving water, protecting marine environments and making more conscious daily choices.”

Greenrock invited the community to participate and to mark Earth Hour by turning off electrical lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.greenrock.org.