In 2009 hundreds of millions of people around the world turned off their lights during Earth Hour, and Pemberton was lauded as the hour's second biggest energy reducer in B.C.
Now the town council is challenging the Sea to Sky Corridor's communities to beat them during the 2010 Earth Hour starting Saturday (March 27) at 8:30 p.m.
Pemberton Coun. Lisa Ames issued the challenge to shut off all electrical equipment for one hour and reduce energy consumption by five per cent in celebration of the global phenomenon known.
"I thought it would be a fun way to engage in the three communities to participate in earth hour," said Ames.
Earth Hour is an annual World Wildlife Foundation initiative designed to raise public awareness about personal action and climate change. Since it's creation in 2007, the international event has grown to include the participation of more than one billion people.
Last year the three corridor communities participated and two faired quite well. Pemberton was only be beat out by Sooke with a reduction of 4.6 per cent, while Squamish reduced its consumption by 3.6 per cent.
According to Ames, Whistler didn't reduce its consumption for the hour - energy consumption actually went up by a percentage for the resort municipality.
Squamish Climate Action Network co-ordinator Ana Santos said the five per cent goal isn't ambitious enough but it's a start in the right direction.
"I think the significance of the event is letting every body know we are all in a position to make changes to make a difference and that we don't need to be in a particular group or go anywhere to participate in something. We can do this from the comforts of our own homes."
According to Ames the community with the greatest energy reduction will get bragging rights and the losing community will play host to an evening social for the two other communities to discuss Sea to Sky strategies on carbon footprint reduction.
"It's just a friendly competition to get everyone motivated," she said.
"Oh yeah... when we win I might make you wear an 'I love Pemberton' t-shirt to your council meeting, as well," Ames added in an email to corridor council members and media.
For ideas on how you can participate in Earth Hour visit www.EarthHourCanada.org
