On March 29, 2008 at 8pm, people all around the world participated in Earth Hour by turning off their electrically powered lights. Designed to raise public awareness of the problem of global warming and the importance of conserving energy, this year's Earth Hour has been deemed an overwhelming success by the public and environmentalists alike. Additionally, thousands of Canadians joined the worldwide effort to fight global warming by turning off the lights. Over 150 communities across Canada flicked their lights off for one hour, reducing the province's power usage by more then 5 percent.

Earth Hour, a worldwide campaign that highlights the waste of electricity and the threat of climate change began in 2007 in Australia and has quickly spread around the world. Now, the last Saturday of March is recognized internationally as "Earth Hour". People are realizing that it doesn't take much effort to protect our environment and reduce energy consumption.

Unlike most other recognized events, Earth Hour symbolizes the impact that individuals, businesses, communities, and governments can have on the environment. By recognizing this event, each one of us is committing to working together in a way that has a positive impact on climate change. No longer are people limited to who they are or where they live, but this is truly an event that brings people together for a common goal and purpose.

Some people and organizations are utilizing the recognition of Earth Day as a way to celebrate a special event such as a wedding. Individuals are using this observance and pairing it with something else they hold dear to their heart. For example, some couples have a great appreciation for nature so they recognized the celebration of their wedding and Earth Day with a fireside wedding ceremony, followed by a reception at a local resort's dining room. This unique opportunity enabled wedding guests to enjoy a catered dinner by candlelight as all electric lights were turned off at 8pm in observance of Earth Day.

The creativity used by some people who appreciate the impact that we can all have on our environment is astounding. Not only are people who honor Earth Day doing their part to protect the environment, but they are also using this event in a way that creates a particularly meaningful way to remember the celebration while taking advantage of the beautiful and secluded wilderness area-some of the exact things that Earth Day strives to preserve.

Earth Day brings to light the issues that we all face-global warming and energy waste. However, the issues and concerns at hand reach far beyond what turning out the lights for one hour on a specific day throughout the year can really do. In response to Earth Day, we should all become more aware of our energy consumption and find ways that we can make a positive and long-lasting impact on preserving the environment.