2019 is the 12th year of Earth Hour but it is also the second year of its #Connect2Earth global theme which calls for an urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity. Central to this theme is the continuing focus on the issue of single-use plastics.
What began in 2008 in Manila (Earth Hour first started in Sydney in 2007) as a campaign to create awareness of climate change has evolved into the world’s grassroots movement to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon.
When #Connect2Earth was launched last year, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments in over 180 countries and territories switched off their lights to show their commitment to and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity. Both #Connect2Earth and #EarthHour trended in 33 countries and garnered more than 3.5 billion impressions worldwide.
Last year, WWF-Philippines launched its #AyokoNgPlastik movement in hopes to further create awareness on the dangers of single-use plastics, spark conversations, change mindsets and habits of consumers, urge businesses to operate more sustainably, and influence policy..
READ: Let’s do our share to reduce plastic waste in the Philippines! Say #AyokoNgPlastik!
WWF-Philippines believes that Earth Hour 2019 is the best way to send out a clear message to take a stand against plastic pollution. The hope is that it can mobilize public support for legislation involving plastic waste management.
In a recent event to launch Earth Hour 2019,the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) inked a memorandum of agreement with WWF-Philippines and National Ambassadors Rovilson Fernandez and Iza Calzado, as well as National Youth Ambassador Janine Gutierrez.
The main switch-off event of Earth Hour 2019 is slated on March 30, Saturday, at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds in Makati from 5:00 PM to 10:00PM, with the actual switch-off at 8:30 PM. At least 3,000 scouts will be deployed to the public event that will feature booths, activities, and performances that will honor the planet.
While the Earth Hour main event will happen in Makati, everyone nationwide is being encouraged to turn off non-essential lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm on March 30.
Watch the official video.
Visit these sites to know more about Earth Hour and its advocacy.
Earth Hour 2019 Facebook events page
To engage in conversations on plastics, visit the Facebook page of #AyokoNgPlastik