Lights out for Franklin next Saturday

Don’t worry when lights go out next Saturday night around the district – there’s no power cut. It’s simply Franklin residents and businesses showing they care for the future of our planet.

From 8.30-9.30pm on Saturday 28 March, lights will be switched off around the world as people participate in Earth Hour – a global initiative by the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Earth Hour encourages people to switch off their non-essential lights and appliances for an hour in the hope that people will ‘switch on’ to reducing their energy use.

Franklin District Council Mayor Mark Ball says Franklin District is joining cities such as Los Angeles, London, Hong Kong, Sydney, Rome, Dubai and Copenhagen by participating in Earth Hour.

“Franklin District Council is switching off all non-essential lighting to show our support for Earth Hour. Our offices, halls and libraries will be plunged into darkness for the event.”

“I’m calling on Franklin residents and businesses to participate in Earth Hour. By raising awareness of reducing energy use through this event, hopefully it will show that every one of us can make changes. We’re sending a powerful global message that it’s possible for everyone to take action.”

Mark urges the Franklin district to get involved, even by making an event of it, such as having a candle-lit dinner party or dining at a participating restaurant, such as Bracu.

Franklin businesses supporting Earth Hour include Bracu, Counties Power, Tui Glen Nurseries, Hynds, Gardenza, McDonalds, Enterprise Franklin and McLaren Brown plus many more.

Thirty seven cities, towns and regional bodies across New Zealand have committed to Earth Hour, with 80 countries taking part.

Check out the Earth Hour countdown on www.franklin.govt.nz.

For more information on Earth Hour – www.earthhour.org