Earth Hour Vancouver 2011
byEarth Hour, a World Wildlife Fund initiative, began four years ago in Sydney, Australia when millions turned off their lights, electronics, devices to show the impact of our power usage on the planet particularly with regards to climate change. The campaign has continued to grow and last year 128 countries took part as global monuments went dark for a single hour, on the same day, for this single cause. With over 1 billion people participating, it was the largest voluntary action ever witnessed on the planet.
Earth Hour 2011 will take place Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 8:30pm (local time, wherever you are) and when you get so many people shutting off unnecessary lights for 60 minutes, it’s amazing to see the impact. It may seem like a small gesture but it is a great reminder (even if it’s annually) to be aware of our power usage.
There are many ways to participate and the Earth Hour website has everything from downloads and social media tips, to badges and buttons to help you get involved.
In Vancouver, many organizations, individuals, and businesses have taken part over the years. For 2011, I have partnered with the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and Fairmont Waterfront Hotel (2 of 64 participating Fairmont Hotels around the world) to promote their Earth Hour initiatives and offer up two special prizes for my readers.
Fairmont Waterfront
Website, Facebook
Herons West Coast Kitchen + Bar will host the “Green and Glow” event for Earth Hour March 26th. The candlelit dinner menu options will include Cornmeal Oyster Sliders, Grilled Chanterelle Mushroom Flatbread, Cedar Plank Pecorino Cheese with Roof Top Honey, B.C. Spot Prawns and Qualicum Bay Scallops, Sweet Corn Applewood Bacon Risotto, and Milk Chocolate Slice, Earl Grey Ice Cream. Executive Chef Dore uses sustainable seafood as a part of the Ocean Wise program. They will also offer signature cocktails like the Green Eco-tini and Roof Top Honey Caiprioska that feature concoctions infused with herbs plucked from the kitchen’s rooftop garden.
Locals and visitors alike can take advantage of Earth Hour perks such as 20% off room rates (March 25-27) and hybrid vehicle owners enjoying complimentary valet. The Fairmont Waterfront will also donate $20 in the guest’s name to the World Wildlife Fund (“WWF”).
Contest prize: $150 gift certificate to enjoy Herons at the Fairmont Waterfront on March 26th during Earth Hour.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Website, Twitter, Facebook
As the lights go dark for Earth Hour, Vancouver’s ‘Castle in the City’ will switch to candlelight and acoustic music along with menus that help support the WWF. Griffins Restaurant will offer a $23 three-course raw decadent chocolate fondue and 900 West Lounge will have Piper-Heidsieck champagne specials. 10% of the raw menu and $1 from every glass ($5 for every bottle) of champagne will go to the cause.
Contest prize: Chocolate fondue and champagne in 900 West Lounge, valued at $150.
Here’s how you can enter to win one of these two Fairmont Earth Hour prizes:
I will draw two winners at random from all entries on Tuesday, March 22nd at 9:00am. Gift certificates for each experience are to be used on Saturday March 26th, 2011 for Earth Hour at either the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver or Fairmont Waterfront downtown. If a selected winner cannot attend on the 26th, a new winner will be drawn.
Follow Earth Hour on Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, the official blog, and YouTube.
Update The winner of the Fairmont Waterfront gift certificate is “au” and the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver gift certificate goes to @louisemlynch.
182 Comments — Comments Are Closed
This year, I’ll be participating in Earth Hour by getting together with a number of other students to dine in the dark.
I haven’t participated in this yet but we will this year!
A few years back, we played Mafia with candlelight. Spooky and fun!
Last year we played card games as a family by candlelight.
We dined out at a restaurant in Yaletown. The lights were out and candles were everywhere.
Last year I think we turned off all electronics (unplugged them from the walls too) and turn out the lights.
I wanted to head up to Cypress Lookout and take a photo of Vancouver, if the weather is nice, I’ll try it this time too
I have participated before with my family.
last year we had dinner in candlelight. very romantic!!
I was cleaning my parents home while they were out of town and turned all the lights off (save one, for visiblity in that room) as well as all the other electronics (TV/radio, etc). Their home has a view of the Lions Gate Bridge, and it was cool look over Vancouver and see the lights of the bridge turned completely off for Earth Hour.
Bubble bath by candlelight!
I played scrabble by candlelight with the in laws!
We always turn out the lights and have a “flashlight” picnic. The kid loves it!
It’s always cozier to be at home with all the lights off and to read with candles on.
For the past two years, I have turned all the lights and electronics off, and just sat in the dark with my boyfriend having a nice conversation, free of distractions. This year, I think we might do a really special candlelit dinner at home!
I always try to turn off unneccessary lights, but the promo around Earth Hour reminds me of other things I can do like unplug chargers and appliances not being used. I love the idea of a candle-lit dinner this year.
Typically turn all electrical appliances and lights off. We play board games or go up to Burnaby mountain to get a view of Vancouver. Going to do some thing different this year, not sure what yet! So excited for earth hour this year!
We turn off everything and usually just hang out at home for an hour. The time goes by real fast.
I haven’t participated in the past but would love to this year!
Would love to go to this.
My husband and I usually have a romantic candlelit dinner at home. One year we went out to a participation restaurant and dined there.
My whole family is going to participate in this event by turning off lights and everything. Then we’ll light up few candles, drink hot chocolates and just have a very nice family time.
yummy!!!
I try and participate every year. I won’t be home on Sat March 26 – but will try and participate at another time. Candles are an excellent way to make a nice relaxing mood at home.
Last year i participated for a dine in the dark.
I always do the candles-at-home thing for Earth Hour.
We often have a candlelit dinner with the kids…. and keep the light, computer and all electronics off through until the next day.
I participate every year.
i haven’t participated before, but I will by having computer and tv free time!
We turn all the lights off and enjoy whatever we are doing by candle light.
I have only ever participated from home, and it’s been a lot of fun. Looking over to downtown and the North Shore from the West Side of Vancouver and seeing so many lights turn off at the same time, and remain off for an hour, is incredible. I’d love to experience one of these dining packages!
I love Earth Hour! I think it should be a monthly event! Great excuse to relax and enjoy the moment.
last year we had a couple glasses of wine by candlelight!
Candlelight dinner, all the way!
I love being home and unplugging everything and just having a quiet hour to chat or read by candle…. though I’m always sad at the sight of so many lights on in the buildings around me (West Enders need to participate more!).
I think Earth Hour is awesome! I have never been out to one of the restaurants that participate before, but think it is great that they do!
Good One.
Havent heared of earth hour before. But i will participate this year
Haven’t participated in the past, but will be breaking out the candles this year!
Earth Hour is a good habit to have. To the simplier things in life that can help to make our world a whole lot better.
In past years we not only turned off all of our lights, but also went around the house and unplugged any unnecessary items.
This is the first I’ve heard of Earth hour, maybe i’ll try it.
I would love to experience the Fairmont in the dark!
My method of observing Earth Hour is to go to bed early! 🙂
Last year my roommate and I had some friends over for wine by candlelight. We had the lights off all evening since dim lighting was just so flattering! Pemberton ended up being one of the communities for which Earth Hour had the biggest impact in reducing energy consumption.
Turn off the light, perhaps light a candle to make it more romantic?
stayed outside and took in what natural light was left!
Dinner by candle light is always our tradition.
We as a family turn off the ipod’s tv’s & computer for a 24 hour period…
Settlers of Catan by candlelight!!
I support this initiative every year, no matter where in the world I am, it’s restful to the soul to have a moment to just chill and reflect on our planet. I notice which companies do the same and give them my business.
I’ve always forgotten and missed it in the past. I will be participating this year.
I want my children and grandchildren to have a future that includes the option of turning off lights. I think it is up to all of us to leave this world in better condition than we found it, so don’t just do this one day out of the year, do it one day out of every week! Candlelight makes us all glow!
Last year we played a family board game by candlelight, it took my brother away from the video games and we all had a fantastic time.
I participate by turning off lights.
I heart the earth by unplugging my phone charger when not in use.
Acoustic music at Bridgehead coffee in Ottawa!
I’m looking forward to dining by candlelight
Chatting w/ loved ones by candlelight w/o distractions
Stroll the neighbourhood and rediscover the constellations.
Haven’t participated before. Caught the tail end of the Earth hour conversation last year and thought… only if I’d known earlier. So this year I’m looking forward to my first. Thoughts of candlelight dinner for sure…will think of a fun game and ask family or friends to join us.
Read a book by candle-light 🙂
Candlelight is our Earth hour tradition!!!
Turn out all the lights, light some candles, have a bath, and drink some wine!
Turing out the lights and all of the power sources… like the computer!
I have been doing a candlelight dinner at my place with my kids。
This year, I maybe going to Fairmont Hotel Vancouver???
Last year I read a book by candlelight for an hour. It sure made me appreciate electricity!
It’s a little shocking at how tied our lives have become to electronic. So for earth hour I try to get a little old school and do a bit of reading by candlelight. Amazing stuff if you manage to find a perfectly silent place to do it!
I haven’t participated before, but will try to do some candlelight activities this year.
I usually just turn off all the lights and sit around and chat with friends!
For the past 2 years I have participated. I was managing a restaurant, and although it was busy, most of the team was great helping to get tons and tons of candles out. Guests loved it as well!
This year, If I’m not the winner of one of the contests I will either read or play a board game by candle light.
Read a book by wind up flashlight
i turn off all my mobile devices and the tv and just spend the night laying in my room w/ a good book and a flashlight
we burn candles every year and turn off all electricity… this year, i’ll be going to a bike powered music concert!
I turn off all lights and unused electronic devices.
I’ve participated in the past in Toronto from the top of the CN Tower.
Watch TV in the dark
Dine in the dark!
I’ll be reading bedtime stories by candle light , should be very effective 😉
we normally turn off all the lights and enjoy some great conversation but this year i think dinner by candlelight sounds fun.
We have participated for the past few years. We turn off all the lights, have some candles going and play board games!
We spend the time at home with candles and cuddle up on the couch. If the weather is not too bad, we also walk around our neighbourhood and see if others are participating too 🙂
I turn off as much light and electronic devices during earth hour =)
Our family participates each year by turning off the lights, computer and TV and sit in the living room and tell stories by candlelight.
I am in! This is a fun event.
I turn off all the power in our house and we (my husband and two kids ages 4 and 2) eat dinner by candle-light and play shadow puppets. They LOVE it!!
Turn off the lights and watch ‘2 and a half men’
Nothing better than turning off the lights, gadgets, iPods, and stero followed by passing my guitar around the room with a small group of friends. Simple pleasures.
I’m new to participating this year!
We will turn off everything including computer and fill the house with candlelight!
Have never participated,but it is now time to
I don’t think I’ve ever officially participated in Earth Hour before, but I would definitely shut down the computer, tv, cell phone, and anything else not necessary, light a candle, and read a book for awhile. It’s great to get to unplug like that!
Earth hour has been a great way to raise awareness about energy conservation – I’m looking forward to participating again this year. Thanks for the heads up!
I haven’t really participated before, but I will participate this year by lighting our wood burning fireplace and having some wine in front of it with my partner 🙂 and cell phone’s off!
Last year we had a BBQ with friends in the backyard. Great fun, tons of laughter.
I am going to participate by dining in the dark.
I am going to turn off all the lights and just enjoy and evening in front of the fireplace chatting with friends.
In previous years, I turned off everything I could and lit candles for the hour.
In past years, I turned off all the lights, unplugged the laptop, and watched a movie on the laptop. This year, weather permitting, I think I’ll make a bowl of soup and sandwich, and eat it in the park across the street during Earth Hour.
Last year, I turned off the lights, went for a walk to see a less lit up downtown vancouver. Stopped at The Keg for a drink by candle light
We played board games in the candle light.
We will just be keeping cosey, in our “Home Sweet Home” with candles lit and a roaring fire! As children we loved to built forts with chairs and blankets indoors and bring out flashlights during “power outages”!
http://twitter.com/toothfairycyber/status/47888531691024384
tweet
went to a participating restaurant and had dinner there
turning off the lights and taking a nap! 🙂
I took part in Earth Hour for the previous years by playing cards and board games with candle light!
I’m not home that much – does that count.
Its always been a great reason to go for a walk with a hot tea through the neighbourhood, and I plan to do the same this year!
I will probably just hang out with my wife, maybe go for an evening stroll with the dog.
One year I change all my light bulbs to CFL’s!
For Earth hour, my husband and I turn off all the lights and read by candle light!
I’ll be sure to turn off ALL the lights and unplug any non-use appliance and electronics.
Participated with my students while teaching in Korea last year! They even had to turn off their cell phones!
we always participate by turning off all the lights, and the TV. We use the time to have a glass of wine by candlelight. So romantic 🙂
Yes, I have participated in the past. I went to Oru last year for a candlelight dinner. It made for a memorable, intimate meal. More businesses & restaurants should participate in Earth Hour.
I will get the family to play a candlelit scrabble game from 8:30 to 9:30. Earlier if we have to go to the Fairmont.
Turn off the lights, encourage my family to do likewise!
I haven’t participated in the past but I do try to be pretty vigilant about turning off the lights! I like the idea of celebrating with candelight Scrabble!
Candlelight dinner at home
Ive participated by helping organizing the first Earth Hour here in Vancouver when I was in grade 12 and part of the WWF!!
We turned off all our lights in the house for the whole night and day
By taking public transportation and walking!
Last year we turned off the lights, turned down the heat, and played charades by candlelight.
Stay offline!
Abigails Party!!!
Last year we cuddled up on the couch!
In general, you need to participate. It’s not that hard to turn off our lights, computers, and other equipments not only for an hour but especially when not in use. Each of us will make a huge difference if we choose to do so. I’m doing it for always, why not do it too!
Play board games instead of surfing the internet.
I love Earth Hour because I am a treehugger and I love darkness.. so I just lighting candles and playing some music and relaxing.
I’ve participated in Earth Hour in the past by having a nice candlelit evening at home. I expect to do the same this year 🙂
My wife always makes us a nice candle lit dinner and we enjoy each other’s company over wine afterwards.
I always celebrate earth hour by candlelight just as everyone does but this year i will be reflecting of how lucky we are and will be thinking about Japan.
candle light, wine, good food, and …
Board games by candlelight.
Going to bed early with the one you love the most!
Eat by candlelight.
Last year we turned out the lights, tv and other electric stuff, lit a ton of candles and read by candlight.
We will go out and walk around instead of having the power on at home
I participate every year by turning the lights out and snoozing on the couch. (I seem to celebrate this every week…)
Would love to do something for my gf. This would be great.
I have participated in the past just my turning out the lights and settling down with a good book! Some much needed time away from screens…
Dinner by candlelight this year!
Turned off all the lights in the house.
Last year my sister and I played scrabble by candlelight for Earth hour! Too fun.
i haven’t participated before, but think it’ll be a night for good conversation
We have a good chat and drink wine in candelight.
My boyfriend and I played cards and lit lots of candles
Got together with all my girlfriends and had some wine and chats by candlelight 🙂 .
THIS year I’ll be going to Herons with the beau hopefully 😉
I was in Las Vegas for Earth Hour; staring out the window of our hotel room watching as they turned off the lights on The Strip. Seeing Vegas no longer lit up was fascinating! It looked so… ‘normal.’ Compared to the amount of energy they use daily, it was a small savings — but isn’t it true that every “journey of a thousand miles begins with a sinle step.” – Confucius.
Read by candlelight!
A few years ago, my partner and I recognized Earth Hour for the first time, (in its 2nd year). It was amazing to watch downtown Vancouver start to go dark at 8:30, including Harbour Centre which we can see from our window. The best part was watching our neighbours. As we turned of our lights and lit candles, we could see others looking out their windows to see if anyone else was doing the same. It became a bit of a game, with those of us sitting in the dark watching (and sometimes encouraging) others to do the same. It was a really remarkable experience.
While I have not participated in earth hour as such, This is what I do for mother earth. I have in a town house and for the past 3 or more years have not turned on the thermostat once. We use sweaters and occasionally an energy saver fireplace. Also turn off light and don’t needlessly use them. Also dim lights. Don’t have to be full on to see, read,watch TV etc…
Read a book in candlelight last year!
I will be participating in Earth Hour. Every little bit makes a difference.
wow! My husband and I will incidentally be staying at the Fairmont Pacific Rim that very weekend for our 10th anniversary! We’d love to enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner at Herons (just a short walk from where we’ll be)…and it would be lovely to win this gift certificate! But even if we aren’t chosen, we’ll still participate by turning off all electronics and lights in our room & enjoy the beautiful North Shore view 🙂
Every year, I make sure all the lights are off in my house during Earth Hour, but on a daily basis, I only turn on necessary lights & don’t turn the heat on unless I really have to to preserve energy 🙂
I participate every year! No TV, no lights – just candles, wine & conversation with my bf! Maybe a smooch or two too 😉
I’m going to continue the tradition of having a candlelight dinner and playing some hide and seek with my little cousins.
Use candlelight for the evening.
back in Calgary, my husband and I spent a lovely evening reading by candlelight. Much to our chagrin, the city of Calgary actually had an increase in energy use during earth hour:( Happy to be in Vancouver for this Earth Hour!
It’s going to be Scrabble with wine and candlelight!
I’ve read by candlelight in the past.
Every year I try and get my work and friends and family to participate. We play board games by candle light if I’m home 🙂
I just turn off the lights!
I always turn off the lights in my house, and work in the dark. 🙂
I didn’t participate in the past..but for this year, i will turn of my electronics at earth hour. 🙂
I turned out the lights and looked for the stars.. local global thinking on this day..
We always disconnect from everything: electronics, turn all the lights off, turn the furnace off, light candles and play board games with a glass of wine and talk about how nice it is to unwind, in silence and good company!
It’s becoming tradition, and every year, it ends up that we are having such a good time, we surpass the “one hour without power” thing by far.
Enjoying a nice dessert by candlelight
Always enjoyed my birthday dinner by candlelight!
Last year we turned all the lights off and the lit candles that were reflected in the water and glass in Vancouver were so beautiful.
Turned off the lights last year and read a book in the candlelight.
Last year I celebrated Earth Hour at a friend’s place. She had a candle lit party.
reading by candlelight
Haven’t participated! But I will this year
I turned off the lights, too. But I’ve been trying to be good for a couple of years now and turning off any lights I am not using and unplugging electronics when I can. (Can’t get to the microwave plug, though.)
never tried it.
I would love to try this!
I have participated in Earth Hour the previous 2 years by turning off all power & electronic equipment (except for the Canucks game).
Enjoy “au natural” – – no electricity; candles are so romantic.
Earth Hour is a neat concept and I try to be self sufficient and eat raw food and go for a walk at Jericho Beach.
[…] This Saturday is Earth Hour 2011, and Miss604 tells us how we can join the fun. […]
We’ll have a romantic candle light dinner at home 🙂