© Jeremiah Armstrong / WWF-Canada
What can you do beyond Earth Hour?

Earth Hour goes far beyond the symbolic action of switching off. It means to show your determination towards a more sustainable life all year round - all 365 days. Going green is not easy - it requires the determination, effort and resilience of each individual. But if we don't take action immediately, our Earth will become exhausted eventually. Help save and protect the Earth for our own rampant development.

There are many ways you can minimize your impact on the environment. Here are some suggestions that are easy to follow and applicable in your daily life. You can also share your sustainable tips with your friends and WWF. And, remember that small actions together will make a big difference!

Individuals and Households

Saving Energy
  • Select energy-efficient appliances (such as air conditioners with Inverter technology, using Econo mode, or appliances with energy rating);
  • Set air conditioner’s temperature to 26 degrees celsius in the summer; set the wind power to the lowest level to save electricity;
  • Shop responsibly: buying locally produced food; use sustainable products and buy only necessities;
  • Turn off/unplug appliances not in use;
  • Increase public transport, limit travel by plane, shift to electric vehicles;
  • Eat more plants and less meat,
  • Reduce food loss and waste.
Mitigating Plastic Waste
  • Do not, or limit use of single-use plastic products including straws, cups, spoons/forks/knives, raincoats, shampoos/shower gel sachets, etc.
  • Be mindful when disposing of plastic products if they are still usable. 
  • Bring your own personal bag to replace the use of single-use plastic bags when shopping.
  • Use personal food containers instead of single-use plastic/foam food containers. 
  • Carry your own water bottles/cups.
  • Limit your use of plastic wrap, replace it with containers made of glass or reusable plastic.
  • Do not, or limit use of disposable toiletries  when travelling, such as combs, toothbrushes, razors, shower caps, etc. but bring your own from home. If you have to, try to re-use them more.
  • Use eco-friendly, biodegradable products instead of single-use plastics. 
  • Create ideas to reduce plastic waste in everyday life and share it with others.

Corporates

Saving Energy and Other Measures
  • Select energy-efficient appliances (such as air conditioners with Inverter technology, turning on Econo mode, or appliances with energy rating); 
  • Encourage staff to set air conditioner’s temperature to 26 degrees celsius in the summer; set the wind power to the lowest level to save electricity;
  • Reduce printing and copying;
  • Unplug printers, computers, microwaves and coffee makers at the end of the day or when not in use for an extended period (this can save you 5% of your electricity bill due to the fact that some electrical appliances still consume electricity even when turned off);
  • Invest in a rooftop solar power system if possible;
  • Increase public transports, shift to electric vehicles, limit travel by plane;
  • Eat more plants and less meat, reduce food loss and waste,
  • Invest reforestation and restore degraded lands projects.
Mitigating Plastic Waste
  • Avoid using single-use plastic products
  • Work with suppliers to reduce the use of plastic packaging, or consider reusing or recycling
  • Restrict or curb the use of plastic bags when giving gifts / publications to partners.
  • When organizing a meeting or seminar:
    • Minimize waste plastic products including; Packaging, boxes / bags, printed materials, plastic bags, etc.
    • Limit printing of documents and distribution of plastic bags / folders / pens. Encourage the use of electronic materials; bamboo / wood clips and pencils are encouraged to use instead.
    • Use an electronic/digital background instead of a printed background.
    • Reuse the delegate / guest nameplate multiple times. Collect  at the end of the event to reuse for the next one.
    • Do not use plastic straws, plastic water bottles. Instead, use big water pitchers and cups.
    • Minimize the use of confectionery with nylon wrap, for ex. Instant coffee sachets, nylon wrapped candies, etc.
  • Conduct periodic waste audits.