(Eagle News) — The Philippines is ready for this year’s “Earth Hour” with the renewed pledge to say no to single-use plastics.
Using this year’s official hashtags #Connect2Earth, #EarthHourPH2019, and #AyokoNgPlastik, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) -Philippines is encouraging everyone to harness the power of social media and help share their commitment to start changing the planet for the better.
This is by sharing stories and photos of their sustainable living actions, as well as their pledges to say no to single-use plastics.
-Global light switch-off-
The Earth Hour 2019 will be a global light switch off starting 8:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Earth Hour, now on its 12th year, is considered the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment.
“What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon,” the WWF-Philippines said in its website.
“The last decade of Earth Hour has contributed so much to the global climate agenda and has paved the way for many conservation wins. Now that we are ushering in the second year of the movement’s new decade, our efforts will still be centered on raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity to counter the worsening impacts of climate change,” said WWF-Philippines Head of Climate and Energy Program and Earth Hour Pilipinas National Director Atty. Gia Ibay.
-#Connect2Earth-
When #Connect2Earth was launched last year, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments in over 180 countries and territories switched off their lights to show their commitment to and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity.
“Both #Connect2Earth and #EarthHour trended in 33 countries and garnered more than 3.5 billion impressions worldwide. With these numbers, Earth Hour 2019 is an unmissable opportunity to create an unstoppable movement for nature and WWF-Philippines is anchoring this year’s celebration on single-use plastics, one of the biggest threats to biodiversity,” WWF-Philippines said.
-No to single-use plastics-
The WWF-Philippines hopes to further create awareness on the dangers of single-use plastics, spark conversations, change mindsets and habits of consumers, urge businesses to operate more sustainably, and influence policy.
The group is leveraging on the momentum of its #AyokoNgPlastik movement.
“Adopting the WWF network’s “No Plastics in Nature” Initiative, WWF-Philippines believes that Earth Hour 2019 is the best way to send out a clear message to take a stand against plastic pollution towards its ultimate goal of mobilizing public support for legislations on plastic waste management,” the environmental group said in its website.
