The Comfort Rooms

How Was Your Earth Hour?

During Earth Hour from a friend's FB. Are they serious?!?

Yesterday was the 3rd year that the Philippines joined the rest of the free world in the observance of the Earth Hour. For 60 minutes, all lights should be shut off simultaneously (in your time zone of course) and for that moment, be reminded of the amount of damage mankind has placed upon Mother Earth.

The past two celebrations have been successful. The number of participants (not to mention the amount of megawatts saved) increased as each year has passed. Because of past successes, I was hopeful that Earth Hour 2011 will be very successful, as far as the Philippines would be concerned.

So last night, we (Dad, and 2 sisters) left home a few minutes before 8:30pm (designated start of the Earth Hour) and headed towards my uncle's house (a good 30 minute drive). I knew it was Earth Hour and that back at home, all the lights will be turned off. As we drove along Ortigas Avenue, I was freakishly disappointed. Why? Because lights were on and it was Earth Hour.

 Inside the car, I thought I wanted to blame the relatively-poor marketing the Earth Hour guys had on this year (You haven't really noticed the Earth Hour 2011 ads as well right? You know they were there but the campaign wasn't convincing enough). Partly to blame were the people who could have cared more for the environment. In light of all the catastrophes in Japan, I expected the Filipino nation to at least be more concerned this year.

If I were to be asked about my Earth Hour this year, it was disappointing.