Beyond the Blackout: 11 Fun and Impactful Earth Hour Activities

Turning off the lights is the hallmark activity of Earth Hour, where people worldwide switch off non-essential electrical devices for an hour. This simple act not only helps reduce energy consumption but also raises awareness about environmental issues and unites people in a shared mission. But beyond turning off the lights, what else can you do during Earth Hour?

Below are some activities that allow you to minimize waste, protect the environment, and spread eco-conscious values within your community. Check them out and invite your friends and loved ones to join in protecting our shared home - Mother Earth!

What activity can you do to celebrate Earth Hour?

11 Meaningful Activities to Try During Earth Hour

1. Use Eco-Friendly Transportation

Reducing emissions from personal vehicles is a practical way to help the environment. If your destination isn’t too far, consider:

• Walking or cycling instead of using a motorbike or car.
• Taking public transportation, such as buses or the metro, to reduce road congestion.

Not only do these choices lower air pollution, but they also improve your health.

2. Sort Your Waste Properly

Proper waste sorting helps streamline recycling and disposal, minimizing environmental harm. Since different types of waste require different handling, proper sorting ensures they are processed correctly, reducing pollution and health risks.
This is a habit worth adopting not just for Earth Hour but as part of your daily routine.

3. Reduce Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics are a major cause of environmental pollution. You can make a difference by:

• Bringing a reusable water bottle instead of using disposable cups.
• Using fabric tote bags instead of plastic bags when shopping.
• Carrying a personal lunchbox or glass container for takeout meals.
• Using fabric cup holders instead of plastic ones.

Bring a fabric tote bag while shopping to reduce plastic waste.

4. Recycle and Upcycle Items

Recycling reduces waste and conserves resources while allowing for creative DIY projects. You can repurpose everyday items into useful household objects, such as:

• Using old jam jars or sauce bottles as pen holders or makeup brush organizers.
• Turning old shoeboxes or cardboard boxes into bookshelves or storage compartments.
• Reusing glass bottles as flower vases.
• Upcycling old clothes into unique tote bags or storage pouches.
• Crafting plastic bottles into jewelry organizers.

Recycling reduces waste and unleashes creativity

5. Plant More Greenery

Adding plants to your surroundings not only enhances aesthetics but also improves air quality. Consider:

• Growing indoor plants on balconies or in gardens.
• Joining tree-planting initiatives in your community.

Some easy-to-care-for air-purifying plants include:

• Snake Plant: Absorbs CO₂ at night but is toxic to pets.
• Spider Plant: Filters out dust and is low-maintenance.

6. Incorporate Nature into Everyday Items

Use dried flowers or leaves to decorate your books or create unique bookmarks. These natural elements add charm to your space and make thoughtful gifts for nature lovers.

Dried flowers add beauty to books and living spaces

7. Host a DIY Candle-Making Workshop

Gather friends for a candle-making session! Not only will you create relaxing scented candles, but you’ll also promote sustainable living.

Tips for eco-friendly candle-making:

• Use plant-based wax like soy wax or beeswax.
• Choose natural essential oils for a safer fragrance.
• Repurpose used glass jars to hold candles.
• Melt down old or broken candles to make new ones.

8. Join a Community Clean-Up Event

Dedicate your morning to collecting litter in your neighborhood or participating in local cleanup drives. Activities like these have an immediate impact on your surroundings and inspire others to take action. 

Community clean-up efforts help protect the environment

9. Take a Night Stroll and Stargaze

If you’re wondering what else to do during Earth Hour—why not do nothing at all? Just relax and enjoy nature! When was the last time you took a quiet night walk or gazed up at a star-filled sky? Earth Hour is the perfect time to reconnect with the beauty of the natural world.

10. Explore Your Neighborhood in a New Light

Earth Hour is an opportunity to see your city from a fresh perspective:

• Walk around and appreciate the city’s nighttime charm.
• Visit cafes, parks, or other places observing Earth Hour.

11. Spread the Earth Hour Message

Your actions become even more impactful when shared with others. Help raise awareness by:

• Posting about Earth Hour on social media.
• Encouraging friends and family to participate.
• Joining events that promote environmental consciousness.

Conclusion

There are many simple yet meaningful ways to celebrate Earth Hour beyond just switching off the lights.

At CHUS, we hope this article inspires you to take part in eco-friendly activities that protect the environment and promote sustainable living. Visit Chus today to explore more about green living and discover eco-friendly gifts!