Environmentally conscious Bermudians will switch off the lights for an hour tomorrow – but they don't have to sit alone in the dark.

Sustainability group Greenrock has organised a party in the City of Hamilton to celebrate the annual Earth Hour – "one hour, no power" – when Bermudians are being urged to join people around the world and switch off unnecessary lights and electrical items.

Earth Hour is a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative marked around the world and Bermuda will be one of at least 105 countries participating.

Bermudians can celebrate it privately, or join the Greenrock party at Pier 6 in Hamilton from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. tomorrow. The event is free.

There were be entertainment, music, dancing, food vendors and speakers such as Andrew Vaucrosson, president of Greenrock, Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling, and US Consul Grace Shelton.

The lights will be turned off between 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. From Pier 6, event-goers will be able to see the lights going off in the city.

"As people, we like events," said Eugene Dean, of Greenrock. "Many times we need something to focus on to cement something into our psyche. Earth Hour comes up every year as a constant reminder that we need to take action against climate change."

Last year a survey conducted by Greenrock revealed that 59 percent of Bermudians took part in Earth Hour.

Mr. Dean said that not only did the hour reduce the amount of fossil fuels used to make electricity for one hour around the world, but it was also an opportunity for people to show their support for green issues.

"Anyone lobbying government about an environmental issue can now use the event to say that 'X' number of people participated, and showed their interest in climate change issues," added Mr. Dean.

Greenrock has not only been encouraging individuals to take part, but also schools, businesses and even Government. Companies that are participating will display a Greenrock decal in their window.

"You don't have to turn off all the lights," he said. "It is just the unnecessary lights for that hour, even if you are not in complete darkness."

He said it was a creative way to reduce energy usage.

"Some of these things we might replicate throughout the year," he said. "The idea is for us to take note of the fact that we have been excessive.

"We need to start to look at ways we can balance things out. As we know the Earth and mother nature sustains us. It is in our interest to ensure that it is not only nurtured, but sustained also."

This year Greenrock has worked to educate young people, in particular, about their energy usage. They have visited many local schools with a ten minute presentation about Earth Hour.

They are also hosting a competition with prizes to get students to post their comments with pictures or drawings of what they did during Earth Hour.

Andrew Vaucrosson, President of Greenrock said: "Earth Hour aims to reach new audiences, outside of the traditional conservation community, to mobilise a broader cross-section of society and build on the growing awareness of environmental accountability for individual actions.

"Earth Hour provides an annual point of reference to educate people on the simple changes they can make in taking the first steps towards a sustainable lifestyle – changing light bulbs, turning off standby power, turning the thermostat up in summer and down in winter, using green power – while giving them a chance to be part of a powerful global call to action."

He said never has there been a more important time or better opportunity for the people of the world to stand up and take the matter of climate change into their own hands.

Belco threw its support behind the special hour without power.

"We are again pleased to participate in this Island-wide event by monitoring electricity usage during the hour," said BELCO Executive Vice President, Andrew Parsons. "We are, however, mindful that Earth Hour is about much more than just how many lights are turned off. It's about creating environmental awareness and getting people involved. We encourage all of Bermuda to embrace the spirit of Earth Hour beyond the one hour by using energy efficiently and making other changes to live 'greener' lives."

*For more information about Earth Hour go to www.myearthhour.org

* Are you going to take part in Earth Hour tomorrow? Let us know what you are doing and why. E-mail news@royalgazette.bm