Turn Off The Lights Tonight for Earth Hour

Today is the day people in Pine-Richland and around the world are being asked to observe Earth Hour between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. local time by switching off lights and electrical gadgets to show concern for the environment.

Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Foundation each year to raise awareness for environmental sustainability.

Though the movement does help save energy, Earth Hour organizers say turning off the lights is more symbolic; they do not track how much energy is saved. The goal is for people "to take accountability for their ecological footprint and engage in dialogue and resource exchange that provide real solutions to our environmental challenges," organizers say.

According to its website, the campaign "is a global grassroots movement encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take positive actions for the environment, and celebrating their commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour."

Since its inaugural year --  2007 in Sydney, Australia -- more than 120 countries and hundreds of millions of people have participated in the annual event at their respective local times, creating a wave effect throughout the time zones.

To learn more about Earth Hour, visit  earthhour.org. The campaign also has a Facebook page and a Twitter feed.