Earth Hour

This evening at 8:30pm local time people all over the world are switching off their lights for one hour - in homes, offices and even famous landmarks take part, to mark WWF's annual Earth Hour.
Now in its eighth year, this mass participation event is held to show support for environmental issues, and among the world's landmarks that will turn down their lights are the Empire State building in New York, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow. Here in the UK, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham palace, Tower Bridge and the London Eye will all dim their lights.

So, what to do? Well, sun here in the UK officially sets around 6:40pm, so it will be dark, hence candles for lighting are a must. And since we're in the UK, this is not an option:

There are some interesting suggestions all over the web (click here for some ideas) however here's our Top 10:

10. Candle Light / Hot bath combo. Downside: baths are not as environmentally friendly as showers, so not sure whether the whole message would get lost here?

9. Go and see the switch off at a landmark near you. (Possibly wise to check beforehand via electricity gobbling internet if "your" landmark takes part, otherwise this will be a bit of a disappointment)

8. Get some friends round. Well, obviously. We can chat for an amazingly long time, no electricity required.

7. Take a nap. (Seems a bit cave woman-ish, or, actually, "in tune with nature")

6. Tell each other ghost/generally creepy stories. Try and outdo one another. If none of you faints or has a panic attack, you have failed.

5. Have a good old fashioned phone catch up with a friend or relative. No text or email, a proper call.

4. Paint your nails (toes and hands, please) by candlelight and have a good laugh once you can turn the lights back on.

3. If you're going out later, repeat no 4 with make up. Be brave!

2. Play games - card games, board games, hide-and-seek, whatever floats your boat.

1. Have dinner in the (almost) dark. This supposedly enhances the whole eating experience, and on the plus, you will probably eat less.

Neom Organics http://www.neomorganics.com/

And yes, I know what is missing from this list. But it is so obvious that, frankly, if you needed it to be on this list you probably shouldn't do it in the first place.

So, whatever you do, have a wonderful evening!

P.S.: And don't forget - here in the UK it's Mother's Day tomorrow. Oh yes, and clocks go forward tonight, too.