Today at 8:30 pm, WWF’s Earth Hour will begin. Started in 2007, Earth Hour is a symbolic act to get us thinking about our planet and our impact on it. But more than that, it’s also part of a simple idea to start an environmental resolution — this is not only about one hour in the dark, it’s about creating a brighter future. Even though you’re switching off your lights and electronic appliances for the environment, you don’t have to sit twiddling your thumbs in the dark. There is still a lot you can do without using a watt of electricity. Earth Hour can be as fun as it is good for the planet, and if you’re looking for some entertaining ways to spend it you’re in luck because we’ve rounded up 9 fun activities that are sure to deliver a good time completely off-grid!
Candlelight dinner via Shutterstock
Have a candle-lit dinner using menus from celebrity chefs
Celebrate the hour with your partner, friends or family and have a candlelit dinner with your own tasty dishes based on WWF’s Livewell principles, which has been created for healthy people and a planet with a brilliant future. Get inspired by celebrity chefs who support the Livewell principles.
Board Game Pieces and Dices via Shutterstock
Invite friends around for a quiz and board games by candlelight
WWF’s Earth Hour is all about people coming together to celebrate our world. If you’ve decided to invite friends over, the Earth Hour team has created a fantastic Quiz to download to make the most of the night while the lights remain off.
The night sky via Shutterstock
Take a wildlife walk or go star-gazing
Get closer to nature while doing something for your health and well-being by taking a night walk or going star-gazing. And if you don’t have a telescope, don’t worry. Just darkness, a blanket and hot drinks will be enough for a perfect star-gazing hour.
San Antonio Texas River Walk at night via Shutterstock
Go for a nightime city walk
If you are a “city animal”, why not take a walk around town and see what has switched off in your city? In past years, many landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Tour Eiffel and Big Ben switched off their lights in honor of Earth Hour. This year is sure to find more participants, so be sure to check out what else is happening.
Silhouette of biker at sunset via Shutterstock
Go for a nighttime bike ride
Cycling is not a trend, it’s part of a sustainable lifestyle. Everyday more people decide to leave their car at home and start cycling. And once you’ve started cycling, you can’t stop. So why not go for a ride during the hour?
Yoga exercise via Shutterstock
Try candle-lit yoga or exercise
“Mens sana in corpore sano,” says the famous Latin quotation. WWF’s Earth Hour is a moment for appreciating the brilliant world we all share, and how we need to protect it. Use this time to pursue a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
Playing the Guitar via Shutterstock
Have an unplugged jam session at home
Invite your friends over and unplug while you enjoy some in-house music.
Children reading via Shutterstock
Read a bed time story
Light a candle to create a cozy atmosphere, and transform your favorite bedtime story into a fantastic journey of the imagination.
Make a green energy resolution
WWF has lots of resources to help you be green every day. Check out their resources for making a lifestyle change and then plan with your family and friends how you will change things up even when it isn’t Earth Hour.
