Earth Hour is prime time for a conversation about the environment

The City of Ottawa encourages residents to take part in Earth Hour and to use the time to engage in a broader discussion on taking environmental action year round. Earth Hour asks people to turn off all non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.

“The lights may only be out for 60 minutes, but Earth Hour can inspire positive change that lasts the entire year,” said Councillor David Chernushenko, Chair of the Environment Committee. “This is time we can take with our families and friends to have a meaningful discussion about how we, as individuals and communities, can work to minimize our impact on our planet.”

Discussions could focus on a variety of environmental topics, including:

 * 
**
 Home heating/cooling:
**
Changing the thermostat by just one degree can have a major impact on household energy consumption. Be conscious about adjusting the temperature settings and discuss the use of programmable thermostats as a way to reduce your heating/cooling needs when you’re away or asleep.

 * 
**
 Sustainable transportation:
**
Walking, cycling or using public transit (including park-and-rides) get you where you’re going at a much lower environmental cost. Talk about ways you can incorporate alternate modes of transportation into your daily routine.

 * 
**
 Waste diversion:
**
Filling your blue, black and green bins extends the life of our landfill. Make a resolution to divert as much waste as possible. Check out the Waste Explorer tool at
[
 ottawa.ca
](http://ottawa.ca/en/node/266027)
to find out which bin to put it in.

 * 
**
 Incentives programs:
**
Taking advantage of provincial incentive programs, like Ontario Power Authority (OPA) programs to subsidize installation of energy-efficient appliances, can have a positive impact on both the environment and your bank account. Explore the
[
 conservation and renewable energy programs
](http://www.energy.gov.on.ca/en/incentives-program-for-home/)
available in Ontario and discuss the potential benefits for your own home.

The City of Ottawa marks Earth Hour each year by turning off non-essential lights in its administrative buildings and its digital billboard signs across Ottawa. In addition, the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship extends all year through investments like:

 * 
Constructing all new municipal buildings to LEED standards, by incorporating renewable materials and energy saving technologies

 * 
Implementing energy-saving measures in existing City buildings, such as lighting upgrades, building automation, ventilation upgrades, boiler replacements and water reduction measures

 * 
Converting lights and streetlights to LED bulbs