My unfortunate schedule this week has kept me from commenting on this before, but at 8pm tonight, wherever you are, please consider turning your lights off for Earth Hour.

This Australia-organized event is intended to draw attention to the massive amount of fossil fuels we consume to maintain our electric lifestyle, and how much of it we just leave on and running unintentionally. Many cities in Australia are on board, and major landmarks and cities across the US and Europe (Chicago, London City Hall, Canterbury Cathedral).

Even if your town or city isn’t officially participating, you can still play a part and make a difference, even just by turning off your lights for an hour and telling a friend. Organize your neighborhood, or maybe get your office together.

Throw a block-party lit exclusively by candals or torches (with bio-fuel, of course) or just light a candle with a loved-one and share some time together away from the TV.

I’m not asking you to give up your lights or throw away your television, but it’s always good to take a step back and get a little perspective on how you live your life. I’m probably the worst power-consumer I know, but hopefully I’ll do better this year! Just remembering to turn off what you’re not using could make a big difference for all of us.

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