Lights Out for the Climate

Something caught my eye when reading the headline -- "Lights Out in San Francisco" -- at first, I thought there might have been another earthquake. And then the next paragraph explained how on October 20, 2007 the entire city of San Francisco is committed to a program called Lights Out for one hour from 8p.m. to 9p.m. With the exception of street and traffic lights, the city will participate in a voluntary brownout. What a great idea! Calling attention to global warming by a small action.

Imagine if all the skyscrapers went dark in every major city for just one weekend? How much energy would it save?

So...what if every major city in the U.S. participated in the Lights Out campaign?

Here is why you should participate...because Lights Out will be a great night:

1. For star-gazers
2. For a candlelight, romantic dinner
3. For hiding an engagement ring under a pillow
4. For educating your children about global warming
5. For saving 15% or more on your GEICO bill (hahaha- just making sure you were reading)...actually, on your electric bill

If you want to make a real difference, try to do something every day on a small scale -- such as using LED or compact fluorescent lightbulbs, or turning off a light when you leave the room -- and maybe together we can make an impact to conserve energy and fight global warming.

Next year on March 29, 2008, at least 15 major cities will do the Lights Out campaign and although a voluntary brownout is just a short-term highlight to the problem of global warming and climate change. Hope you will find time to participate for just one hour.