Empower Earth Hour 2024: 11 Earth Hour Activities for All Ages

Get ready for Earth Hour! Earth Hour is an annual event that takes place in March and encourages individuals to switch off their lights for one hour in an effort to bring awareness to planet protection. This event was created by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) back in 2007 and has grown into a worldwide campaign, with millions of people participating across the globe. During Earth Hour, WWF encourages people to take part in activities that bring awareness to climate change and environmental stewardship. So why not have some fun while doing your part? Here are 5 activities you can do during Earth Hour: 

 1. Have a movie night

Gather up the family or friends, turn off the lights, and enjoy a movie with some popcorn. Watching a movie in the dark is a great way to enjoy some entertainment while using minimal electricity by having all the lights out.   

Additionally, watching a movie can help you relax and pass the time without worrying about energy consumption. Want to take this activity a step further? Choose a movie title that centers around environmental themes to really drive home the message to your little ones about this important event.

2. Play board games

Grab your favorite board game and have a tournament between family and friends. Not only are you spending quality time with those close to you, but you’re also helping to reduce your energy consumption by participating in an activity that requires zero electricity.  

Board games are great for stimulating conversation and laughter, plus they provide an opportunity to learn new strategies and hone your problem-solving skills, which is a great lesson if you have little kids. Plus, with no screens or electricity, it’s a great way to relax and unplug for a bit.

3. Take a nature walk

Make plans beforehand to meet up with neighbors and take a stroll to enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the dark. You can even venture to a local park to check out the stars and constellations with those closest to you. Additionally, taking a nature walk can also help reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your physical and mental health. 

 Plus, walking in nature is a great way to connect with the Earth and help you feel more connected to your environment. So, if you’re looking for a way to relax and reconnect with nature, why not take a nature walk during Earth Hour? 

4. Have a candle-lit dinner

Get creative with how you can light up your space during Earth Hour. Candles are a great way to provide some eco-friendly mood lighting and bring a cozy atmosphere to the night.  

In the same way, a candle-lit dinner during Earth Hour can be a beautiful and inspiring way to bring friends and family together. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to slow down, connect, and appreciate the people, food and environment around us.

5. Have a campfire

Gather around a campfire with friends and family and enjoy the night under the stars. The warm and cozy feeling of the fire is the perfect way to enjoy the moment and appreciate the beauty of our planet.  

You can sit around the campfire and tell stories, share jokes, and create lasting memories. Plus, you get the added bonus of roasting marshmallows! 

6. Take a relaxing nighttime bath

By bathing by candlelight instead of using artificial lighting, you can create a soothing atmosphere that promotes a sense of calm and connection with nature. Luckily, Earth Hour takes place at night so a warm bath can even help you sleep long after Earth Hour is complete.  

Take your commitment to eco-friendliness to a whole new level with this activity by choosing eco-friendly bath and body care items for your care routine. Once you’ve finished your soak, be sure to cleanse your skin with natural ingredients for a final sustainable touch. 

7. Go star gazing

By turning off artificial lights, you can enhance the visibility of the night sky and marvel at the countless stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. Not only does star gazing foster a sense of wonder and awe, but it also encourages reflection on humanity’s place in the universe and the importance of preserving our planet for future generations.

8. Do an earth-friendly craft

Engaging in an earth-friendly craft during Earth Hour offers a creative and eco-conscious way to celebrate the event. By using recycled materials or natural elements, such as paper, cardboard, or found objects, you can reduce waste and minimize your environmental impact.  

Whether it’s making recycled paper art, upcycling old clothes into new fashion pieces, or creating nature-inspired crafts, crafting during Earth Hour promotes sustainability and encourages resourcefulness, making it a meaningful and enjoyable activity for individuals and families alike. 

Here’s a list of our top picks for earth-friendly crafts: 

1. Make homemade paper from old junk mail or newspapers. 
2. Repurpose old clothing or fabric scraps into new creations such as tote bags, patchwork quilts, or cloth napkins. 
3. Collect fallen twigs, branches, and other natural materials to create rustic art pieces. 
4. Mix clay, compost, and wildflower seeds to create seed bombs that can be tossed into vacant lots or neglected areas. 
5. Transform empty glass jars into enchanting lanterns by decorating them with paint and tissue paper. 
6. Cut the tops off plastic bottles or cans and decorate them with paint to create colorful planters. 
7. Gather leaves, flowers, shells, and other natural treasures to create collages or pressed flower art. 
8. Repurpose household items like toilet paper rolls, pinecones, or orange halves into bird feeders by coating them with peanut butter and rolling them in birdseed. 
9. Build a small compost bin using repurposed wood pallets or recycled plastic containers. 
10. Cut colorful pages from old magazines into strips and coil them into tight spirals to create coasters. Seal them with Mod Podge or clear resin for a glossy finish and protective coating. 

No matter what craft you choose be sure to prioritize safety as you create! 

9. Plant a tree

Planting a tree is a tangible way to contribute to the health of the planet by improving air quality, providing habitat for wildlife, and mitigating the effects of climate change. By getting your hands dirty and connecting with the earth, you’re not only making a positive impact on the environment but also fostering a deeper connection with nature and inspiring others to take action for a greener future. 

10. Watch nocturnal wildlife

By turning off artificial lights and minimizing human activity, you create a quieter, more peaceful environment that allows nocturnal animals to thrive. Whether it’s listening to the hooting of owls, spotting the darting movements of bats, or witnessing the graceful flight of moths, experiencing nighttime wildlife enhances our understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving habitats for all species.  

It’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the need to protect our planet’s rich tapestry of life. 

11. Take a nighttime bike ride

With minimal artificial illumination, the senses sharpen, allowing for a deeper connection with the environment. Gliding through the quiet streets or serene countryside under the starlit sky not only reduces carbon emissions but also fosters a sense of adventure and appreciation for the beauty of the night.  

It’s a moment to savor the tranquility, embrace sustainable transportation, and celebrate the planet in motion, all while pedaling towards a greener future. 

By taking part in Earth Hour, we can all do our part to help reduce global energy consumption and show our commitment to protecting the environment. So why not use the time to enjoy some fun activities with family and friends, while doing something good for our planet? Let’s all get together this Earth Hour and make a positive difference in the world!  

Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.