I believe that there is a phenomenal power of influence when a critical mass of voices unite to demand change.  Three years ago, the World Wildlife Fund established a global call to action to send a clear, highly visual statement that signaled that people care about climate change and want it addressed.  This bold message is delivered in the form of millions of participants simultaneously shutting off their lights for one hour.  

“In 2009, hundreds of millions of people in more than 4,000 cities in 87 countries on seven continents participated. In the U.S., 80 million Americans, 318 cities and eight states officially turned off their lights for Earth Hour including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City and San Francisco.” – Earth Hour website

This year, Earth Hour will take place on March 27th at 8:30 p.m. local time and it’s expected to create a wave of darkness around the globe.  Illinois is an official Earth Hour state with 29 schools, 10 universities, 13 cities (including Chicago), 35 organizations and 57 businesses signing the pledge to participate.  With landmarks like the Las Vegas Strip, the Pyramids of Giza, the Eiffel Tower and the Sears …er Willis Tower going dark, this event has quickly become the largest climate event in history.

Last year, my girl Daisy and I got all gussied up and headed to a bar at the Merchandise Mart which was advertised as participating in Earth Hour.  Technically, the bar itself did shut their lights off (and they offered some really great drink specials) but it was tragically anti-climactic when the blazing lights that filled the interior of the mart remained on and the bar was filled with tourists asking if the power had gone out.  

This year, I’m taking a new approach and will host an Earth Hour party at my house.  I think a little candlelight celebration with friends in honor of the earth sounds like a grand time.  If you aren’t attending my party and are looking for somewhere to go to feel a part of the movement, I highly suggest heading to Uncommon Ground.  Both the Clark and Devon restaurants will be participating in Earth Hour, fully equipped with their delicious food, drinks, hospitality and commitment to sustainability.

Perhaps, a romantic staycation in honor of mother earth is more your thing?   The Palmer House Hilton, Hotel Allegro, The Drake Hotel, the Fairmont Chicago, and the Seneca Hotel and Suites have all taken the pledge to participate.   If retail therapy is more your thing, Skinstinct Clothing and IKEA have both pledged to participate.

Regardless of where you celebrate Earth Hour, I encourage you to visit their website and sign the pledge that you will be part of the movement.  Then, remember to shut your lights off from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. on March 27th and let’s see if our collective voices can spark some much-needed change and illuminate our shared desire for change (puns intended).

Looking for other ways to display your eco-friendliness? Check our our events page or the Chicagoland Guide to Green Events 2010.