[Source: Sam Campana, Audubon Arizona] — Audubon Arizona is committed to participate in this international effort to call attention to the urgency of Global Warming, stewardship of the earth’s resources, and, for Audubon, the dramatic impact of lighted buildings on migrating birds. We join other sponsoring partners in Earth Hour, March 29, 8 – 9 p.m. urging our nearly 10,000 Arizona Audubon members to reduce their energy usage and TURN OUT THE LIGHTS.
Estimated number of birds killed annually in the U.S.
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Buildings/Windows: 550,000,000 (yes, half a BILLION!)
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Power lines: 130,000,000
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Cats: 100,000,000
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Automobiles: 80,000,000
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Pesticides: 67,000,000
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Wind turbines: 28,500
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Airplanes: 25,000
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Hailstorms: 1,600 pelicans killed in one Colorado hailstorm in 2001
Source: USFS, USFWS, and American Ornithologists’ Union
Other great tips for reducing our carbon footprint on the Earth:
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Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs to save money and reduce emissions. Lighting accounts for around 5% of household greenhouse gas emissions, and compact fluros use 75% less energy than an equivalent incandescent bulb. Although the bulbs cost more up-front, you will actually save money through the energy saved and extended life of the bulb.
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Turn appliances off while not in use. Unplug any appliances like mobile phone chargers, TVs, microwaves, MP3 players, which are not being used and are on standby. In Australia, appliances on standby consume up to 10% of electricity bill.
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Turn off anything that doesn’t need to be on. A good rule is to turn off anything not being used. When you leave a room or leave the house, turn off your lights or appliances like the TV or computer.
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Switch to green power. This is one of the best ways you can make a difference. Contact your electricity provider today and switch to green power, a cleaner, more renewable form of energy that does not contribute to global warming.
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Use less hot water. This is not only a good water saving tip, it saves electricity too. Spend one minute less in the shower.
What is Earth Hour? Earth Hour is a global initiative to “turn off the lights” in cities around the world for one hour, starting at 8 p.m. local time on March 29, 2008. Earth Hour will demonstrate that each one of us can make a positive impact on climate change. The World Wildlife Fund will hold this event in at least 25 cities across 6 continents. In the U.S., it will be held in Phoenix, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco, among others. For more information, visit www.earthhour.org
How will Earth Hour help? Earth Hour demonstrates how our small actions can make a difference in the fight against climate change. By turning out the lights for one hour individuals, businesses, and communities across the world will demonstrate collective concern about climate change and signal willingness to do something about it.
What does a commitment to Earth Hour involve for individuals and companies? Participating individuals and companies are pledging to turn their lights off for the hour and take steps necessary to reduce their carbon dioxide emissions. Partners are also asked to be conscious of how much energy they are using, and by identifying opportunities in homes or offices to reduce their energy consumption.
What are people supposed to do for the 60 minutes of Earth Hour? Have flashlight-lit dinner with loved ones or meeting up outside with friends who are also Earth Hour participants.
Will all electricity be turned off during Earth Hour? No. We are only asking for non-essential, non-emergency lights to be turned off. Partner businesses will adhere to OSHA standards and security and emergency lighting will remain on.
Downtown Voices Coalition 