Glasgow is set to celebrate Earth Hour this weekend with a packed programme of activities and events at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
To mark the annual global event, the city council has organised a number of attractions, demonstrations and displays with a host of organisations including Zero Waste Scotland, RSPB, Bike for Good, Beekeepers Association, Transport Scotland and many more.
Every year Glasgow citizens and businesses come together with a symbolic lights-out display in conjunction with other major cities across the globe for one hour.
In addition to switching off all non-essential lights in its iconic buildings across the city, the council has organised free indoor and outdoor events for the public to enjoy at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum from 6pm on Saturday, 24 March 2018.
There will be free activities for all the family – from a mobile planetarium, small gadget/electrical repair workshop, endangered species trail (where you can make your promise for the planet), food waste and energy saving advice, upcycling workshops, to an illuminated led cycle ride around Kelvingrove Park (prize for most illuminated bike) and nature walks.
More than 180 countries around the world take part in Earth Hour and every year iconic structures like the Eiffel Tower and Sydney Opera House are plunged into darkness to demonstrate how everyone can make a difference to the environment by conserving energy.
Glasgow is a strong supporter of Earth Hour and was recently awarded the WWF Scotland’s Earth Hour Local Authority Champion for 2017.
In Glasgow, the city council co-ordinates switch-offs within its iconic and landmark buildings to highlight its commitment to tackling climate change.
It also works with various businesses and shopping centres including St. Enoch Centre, Buchanan Galleries and The Forge shopping centres, the Millennium Hotel and the Piper Bar in George Square.
The council will switch off the lights at the City Chambers, the Clyde Arc Bridge, the Riverside Museum, the Mitchell Library and Winter Gardens on Glasgow Green.
Other landmarks switching off include Glasgow Cathedral (courtesy of Historic Scotland), Cranhill and Drumchapel Water Towers (courtesy of Scottish Water) and Glasgow University.
Glasgow citizens are urged to join others around the world in turning off unnecessary electrical equipment between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday.
This could include unplugging phone chargers, turning off household lights or ensuring no electrical equipment is left on standby.
Councillor Anna Richardson, City Convener for Sustainability and Carbon Reduction, said: “Everyone can make a difference. Even small, simple changes in our everyday routine can help combat climate change.
“I hope that the people of Glasgow will switch their lights off in solidarity with the thousands of cities around the world taking part in this wonderful and worthwhile event.”
For more information and a list of all the activities – some may require booking – visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/earthhour
