Earth Hour 2014: Seven things to do in the dark

WWF

Switching off the lights for Earth Hour 2014 means showing your commitment to action on climate change—and switching on the fun at home.
We know even small actions at home can help the planet at large. So consider the lights-out hour on Saturday, March 29 at 8:30 pm as an opportunity to enjoy quality time with family and friends while thinking about how climate change is impacting your life and the better future you’d like to see.
Here are a few ideas for fun:
1. INDOOR PICNIC

© Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada
Candles create a delightful ambiance for any meal. Spread out a blanket on the living room floor and light a few wicks. Serve traditional picnic treats such as finger sandwiches and brownies. A new way to feast and be merry! © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada

2. ART IN THE DARK
Try your luck at sketching elephants, tigers, rhinos and sea turtles in the dark. Don’t worry if you’re not much of an artist; the reveal of the masterpieces will surely be a laugh for everyone when the lights come back on. © WWF-Canada / Merle Robillard
Try your luck at sketching elephants, tigers, rhinos and sea turtles in the dark. Don’t worry if you’re not much of an artist; the reveal of the masterpieces will surely be a laugh for everyone when the lights come back on. © WWF-Canada / Merle Robillard

3. PLAY A GAME
Gather your friends and family and play a board game together by the candlelight. Slow down, and embrace this time together (and bring out your competitive spirit). © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada
Gather your friends and family and play a board game together by the candlelight. Slow down, and embrace this time together (and bring out your competitive spirit). © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada

4. TAKE IN THE SIGHTS
Is a famous landmark in your town or city going dark in honour of Earth Hour? Take an evening stroll around town to see which buildings switched off the lights to show support for the planet. © Bill IVY/Ivy Images / WWF-Canada
Is a famous landmark in your town or city going dark in honour of Earth Hour? Take an evening stroll around town to see which buildings switched off the lights to show support for the planet. © Bill IVY/Ivy Images / WWF-Canada

5. LOOK AT THE STARS
Study up on the cosmos and then venture out to a dark, open spot near your home. See which constellations you can pick out in the night sky, and maybe even glimpse a shooting star! © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada
Study up on the cosmos and then venture out to a dark, open spot near your home. See which constellations you can pick out in the night sky, and maybe even glimpse a shooting star! © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada

6. SNAP PICTURES
Take some candlelit photos in your house or moonlit snapshots of darkened landmarks outside. Post them later to social media using #momentofdarkness. © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada
Take some candlelit photos in your house or moonlit snapshots of darkened landmarks outside. Post them later to social media using #momentofdarkness. © Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada

7. THINK OF SOLUTIONS

When the lights go out on March 29, take a moment of darkness to think about the future.  Think about a future where climate change is no longer a threat.  Think about the climate solutions you can make today for a better environment tomorrow.  Tweet what you will be thinking about using #momentofdarkness or upload you moment of darkness video to wwf.ca/earthhour.