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When did Earth Hour first start? -

Earth Hour first started in 2007 as a lights-off event in Sydney, Australia. Now an annual event, it encourages people around the world to participate.

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Why is Earth Hour important? -

Global warming and climate change are still very real issues, and events like Earth Hour are here to remind us that we need to do our bit to protect the planet.

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Switch off the lights -

The easiest thing you can do during Earth Hour is to switch off the lights at 8:30 p.m. local time. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down from the busy bustle and help out the environment.

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Work out in the dark -

Take your lights-off initiative a little further by turning it into a workout session. It could be yoga or even an intense workout.

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Cook a candlelit dinner -

There’s nothing more romantic than tucking into dinner in a dim setting. Take the opportunity to make some delicious and authentic dishes.

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Meditate -

The darkness couldn’t be a better moment to find inner peace. Set the mood with some scented candles and find yourself in a comfortable seated position for an hour of meditation.

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Throw a chocolate tasting party -

Put together a chocolate pot luck party. Lay them out buffet style, and gather fellow chocoholics to guess the flavors.

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Create a home spa -

With the lights off, you're one step closer to enjoying your very own home spa experience. Pamper yourself with your favorite skincare products, then turn on the lights to unveil glowing skin.

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Go on a digital detox -

Even if it's just for an hour, Earth Hour is a great excuse to unplug from social media. Just turn off your phone entirely.

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Spend time with your loved ones -

Stay in and use the hour to spend some quality time with those who matter most to you. Read to each other, or simply take the time to talk with one another.

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Practice some night photography or try out "light-painting" -

Look up some night photography ideas and experiment with your gear. Bring your friends along for some extra fun!

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Soak in the bath -

Take this hour to allow yourself a long soak in the bath. Light some scented candles and throw in a bath bomb to fizzle up the water.

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Go out for a nighttime bike ride -

Earth Hour is a great time to cycle. It's also a nice way to exercise and enjoy the night sky.

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Go stargazing -

With the lights out, there’s no better time to go stargazing. Head outside and enjoy the stars in the night sky!

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Read -

Create a cozy atmosphere by lighting a candle. Then dive into your favorite book with a warm cup of tea.

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Play a board game -

Get your favorite board games out and spend the night having a bit of friendly competition with your loved ones.

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Go for a nature hike -

Earth Hour can be more than just the hour. Why not take the day to go for a rejuvenating stroll or hike in a national park?

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Make an indoor fort -

If you have kids, or are a kid at heart, build your own indoor fort. Simply gather some couch cushions, blankets, and pillows.

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Have a dance session -

Whether it's with family or friends, or even by yourself, put on your favorite tunes and dance the hour away!

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Create an indoor scavenger hunt - Turn off all non-essential lights and hide items such as wrapped sweets around the house for children to find.

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Get crafty -

Make the most of your time at home by creating art. Find whatever materials you have lying around the house and repurpose them. It all can be done by candlelight.

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Have a quiz night -

Invite some friends or family over, and play as many quizzes as possible. It's guaranteed to be a good time!

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Plant native trees and other plants -

Another thing you can do to help our planet this Earth Hour is to plant native trees and other plants. This is a great activity to do with kids.

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Dine in the dark -

A trend in major cities around the world, head to a dine-in-the-dark restaurant for the ultimate taste-stimulating experience.

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Enjoy a movie night -

Turn off all the lights for a cozy movie night. Whether you watch eco films, nature documentaries, or even Hollywood blockbusters set in the outdoors, take the time to appreciate nature in all its glory.

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Have a jam session -

Invite some friends over and have your own jam session. You could even try to compose your own music!

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Speak up -

There are some great, creative ways to speak up for nature. You could design a poster showing why nature matters to you, or share your favorite nature-focused song with your friends.

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Participate in a local event -

There are a variety of virtual and on-the-ground events planned around the world. Spend the hour with people wherever you are.

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Make a resolution -

Take this opportunity to commit to reducing your carbon footprint. Make a list of what you can do and share it to inspire others.

See also: Celebrities who champion environmentalism

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