Nations worldwide have pledged to participate in Earth Hour. To date,1,539 cities in 80 countries have committed for Earth Hour 2009. In short, switching off your light for an hour is a vote for Earth or leaving them on is  a vote for global warming. The choice is in your hands!

To read more about Earth Hour and how it started, click here. In Malaysia, it wil take place on 28 March 2009 from 8.30pm until 9.30pm. If you’re in support for the fight against climate change and you care about Earth, that we borrow from our future generations, please mark your calendar and let’s all participate. After all, it’s only for an hour.

Just two days before Earth hour, on March 26th, the Balinese Hindus will be observing Nyepi, a day of silence, fasting and meditation. During this day for 24 hours, the people in Bali are not allowed to be outdoors or on streets. There will be no radio or tv. They must remain at home and keep in silence. During the night, light is kept to the bare minimum of maybe a candle or small lamp. The Pecalang or religious police will patrol the streets to ensure the restrictions are adhered to. When I was in Bali, my guide told me that these Pecalang are empowered to take actions against those who did not follow the restrictions. If for example, they see lights from a house, the Pecalang will throw a rock to the window as a warning to the inhabitants that they must turn off their lights.

Already in restrospect against the Earth Hour, the Balinese Hindus have been practicing Nyepi for generations to keep the balance of nature. If our fellow Balinese can survive 24hours without light, I am pretty sure we all will do just fine for that one hour without lights.

Save the planet! Pledge now by signing up here.

More info about Earth Hour in Malaysia here and here. More info about Nyepi here and here.