Wake up! (after lights out)

Saturday evening proved to be the perfect night to spend it with friends in the backyard under a star filled canopy. (Sunday was a beautiful day for going slow) As a result of Earth Hour, Sydney's power consumption dropped apparently 9% for the hour. Certainly dramatic imagery as the world's iconic building dimmed. Our kids absolutely loved the whole deal. Candle light, running around making up their own fun & a fire drum in the back yard. As a result we're aiming for a weekly Earth Hour evening throughout winter.

Tonight is the first (of many no doubt!) WakeUp! events in Sydney. The parts which I tuned into most of all were the bits about random kindness and growing a community of people sharing similar values. A sold out evening which I believe will be pretty special (since it starts of with fair trade chocolate and organic wines!). There will be guest speakers, a short film and who knows what other treasures on the night! With the concept gaining momentum rapidly, you will want to check out their site to read up on their philosophy and what please check out WakeUp Sydney.

Speaking of philosophies, I keep reminding myself of the one we created for EcoDepot. (The first two points especially seem pretty apt in these times and we're always happy when people pop into our store!)

LIGHTS OUT

It has snuck up again, that time when we turn out our lights for at least an hour on Saturday 28th March for Earth Hour. Australia Post has even published stamps for the occasion! We're using it as an invitation to catch up with friends, hang out and enjoy a (beeswax) candlelit meal together. (Just beware if you have little ones around, they tend not to mix well with naked flames) 

Beeswax candles win hands down over parafin ones. The beautiful beeswax variety emit negative ions when lit, just like moving water. (They smell like honey straight out of the packet - Yum!) These negative ions help cleanse the atmosphere. (That's why after a good rain it always smells so good and seems so much clearer, and being at the beach with the water licking at your toes is a balm for the soul.) On the other hand parafin candles are just no good for anyone. Being a byproduct of the crude oil industry, they're behind the 8 ball from the get go. Have you ever noticed how much some of them smoke? Well, that is going back into the atmosphere and destined for your lungs. Much better off with Australian made beeswax candles - a delight for the senses. Have a look at Queen B's site to see what I mean.

Happy Earth Hour everyone, and just think of all those folk around the globe where Earth Hour happens every evening!