Chicago's Earth Hour 2009

Thousands of lights on landmarks, businesses, schools and residences in Chicago - and across Illinois - went dark from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. on March 28 as part of a global initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The big turn-off was for Earth Hour 2009, presented by ComEd, and approximately 230 downtown Chicago buildings and more than 1,400 local businesses, schools, restaurants and organizations throughout Illinois joined hundreds of millions of people around the world in voluntarily turning off the lights in a symbolic gesture to show concern about climate change.

Chicago returned this year as an Earth Hour flagship city, and organizers are hopeful that the campaign leads to sustained, year-round action - in fact, it already has. As an extension of their Earth Hour participation, many downtown buildings have voluntarily pledged to turn off non-essential, decorative lighting and lit signage in the late night hours every night of the year. The Sears Tower, Hancock Building, Tribune Tower, Merchandise Mart, and many more will power down these lights every night at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and at 11 p.m. or midnight (depending on the season) every Friday and Saturday, following guidelines developed by the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago.

In addition, all Earth Hour participants are asked to pledge to take year-round action to reduce their carbon footprints. Residents can take the Chicago Climate Action Plan $800 Savings Challenge, and businesses can pledge to do their part with the Earth Hour Business Pledge. Visit www.ChicagoClimateAction.org for information and to sign-up.

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