Celebrating Earth Hour

Event to raise awareness
of power consumption

The Earth Hour international initiative will take place in Beirut on March 28. Electric power will be turned off at the Grand Serail, the Beirut Skyline, and Audi Plaza among other banks.

Earth Hour is an hour-long event, during which all switches and electric appliances are turned off in households, industries and businesses. G, a local environmental NGO, is organizing the event. “It will be the New Year’s Eve for environment enthusiasts. Earth Hour is easy, fun, credible and it’s about everyone,” said Nader Nakib, President.

The NGO will hold a zero power concert at the Beirut waterfront. Once the mega light switch is turned off on the screen, the area will be lit by glow sticks distributed to the audience, a massive balloon bulb, 1,000 LED balloons and a glow-in-the-dark wall of fame. More than 2,500 people are expected to attend, including ministers, lawmakers, EU, and UNDP representatives.

G Building is contacting the private sector to get involved and co-sponsor the event. Proceeds from ticket sales will go to green projects in schools and universities that take part in the event. “The remaining funds will be used for our Junior Forest Ranger Academy for children,” said Nakib.

Next year, G Building will hold crowdfunding and crowd-sourcing for its environmental projects.

Earth Hour is a global event that began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia. It is celebrated in more than 150 countries. It debuted in Lebanon last year, with a symbolic power switch-off at the Grand Serail.