MARCH 13, 2017 BY 

Every year since 2007, around the globe millions of people, businesses and landmarks set aside one hour to host events, switch off lights, unplug electronics and make noise for climate change action. This year Earth Hour is at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25.

Earth Hour is more than just an hour. YVSC is encouraging you to use this hour to think about how to reduce your impact on the environment. Below are YVSC’s suggested top 10 things to do beyond Earth Hour:

  1. Turn off lights when not in use.
  2. Identify and decrease ghost loads by plugging your electronics into a power strip to easily turn off multiple items at once.
  3. Run the dishwasher only when it is full.
  4. Air dry dishes rather than using heat dry cycle in dishwasher.
  5. Wash clothes in cold water.
  6. Decrease dryer time and air dry when possible.
  7. Replace your lightbulbs with LED bulbs & sign up for an energy audit (local rebates available www.censibleenergy.org).
  8. Unplug appliances when you are not using them.
  9. Bike, walk or take public transportation.
  10. Buy renewable energy (CEC only has limited solar panels left in the local community solar garden. Go to coloradocommunitysolar.com to learn more about roofless solar.)

YVSC urges people to try one or two of these suggestions, and as it becomes a habit, add a new one. All of these strategies will not only save you money, but they will help preserve Yampa Valley for future generations.