Please note: this is an old article
It was published in March 2012, so the information may be out-of-date.
Millions of people from around the world will join together for Earth Hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 31 March 2012 and Greater Shepparton City Council is calling on businesses, organisations and individuals to turn off their lights and join in Earth Hour locally.
Greater Shepparton Mayor Michael Polan said council is encouraging people to formalise their commitment at www.wwf.org.au/earthhour/.
"One idea behind Earth Hour is that people throughout Australia and around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to send a powerful message to global leaders that we need action on climate change, now," Cr Polan said.
"On Saturday 31 March, we are saying to Greater Shepparton residents, let's all start to make a switch to a sustainable lifestyle and show that together many little actions add up to one big statement on climate change.
"Anyone can make a change and do something to reduce their environmental impact all year round - from families to big businesses.
"Earth Hour is a positive message of hope and action, emphasising what people can do when they act together and showing that together we can make change.
"We are each "just one person", but together we are powerful.
"During the hour of darkness in 2012, why not make a resolution to improve the way you use electricity?"
For those who want to participate in Earth Hour, the Future Spark Bike Time Trial will be running in the mall from 9.30am. People are encouraged to have a go and see how hard it is to generate electricity from their own efforts. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for earth hour, and learn more about what they can do to improve energy efficiency in their home.
Earth Hour is a WWF Australia initiative that started in 2007. Earth Hour is in its fourth year in Australia, and the fourth year Council has participated.
Visit www.wwf.org.au/earthhour/ to register and learn about what you can do to make Earth Hour happen at home and at work.