Earth Hour makes no cents…
The Earth Hour (EH) event is by far, one of the largest and most effective climate change campaigns I have ever seen (having been in a previous career spanning over 2 decades in event concepts & execution); at a flick of a switch, the entire Globe darkens : no effort, no investment, no logistical nightmares – just a very powerful message sent requiring no power at all, beat that.
‘…because change is hard.’
Earth Hour is not about decreasing energy consumption; it will be silly to think that that one hour can save the world. It is about sending a message, about communication, proactive and positive change, education…having said that, I also do believe that if one cannot be a part of the solution then let’s not contribute to the problem because today’s wastage is tomorrow’s shortage. The EH campaign may eventually allow not just one but many more, to see the many thousands of ways that one can influence change.
Taking a real stance to go Green
It is logical to take a stance about the environment, but taking responsibility for the climate change problems requires much more than just Earth Hour . Taking responsibility, on the other hand, doesn’t have to involve living in candlelight without electricity or running water.
We are working on it day-by-day…in the past 3 years, Datacraft Asia offices switched off a day before EH and left our offices in darkness during lunch time. This campaign received much attention especially so because EH is virtually unknown in Asia when we first started in 2008. We distributed candles to all staff, sent out eDMs and switched off the Friday just before EH. We deployed all existing resources to ‘scream & shout’ GREEN without incurring costs including IP Phone imaging. The results were satisfying and it drove us to want to engage in more exciting & refreshing activities the years that followed.
Datacraft Asia : ‘Green is the new Red’
26th March 2011, 8:30pm, mark this date – As Datacraft Asia’s annual green tradition, we will be doubling the blackout period coupled with more staff engagement activities and awareness campaigning via social networks throughout the company and beyond.
Taking this initiative one step further, we are running a campaign on Datacraft’s Facebook page.
You can help support our Earth Hour initiative on Facebook by using this image as your profile picture during this period! Go spread the word to your colleagues and friends, and urge them to join us as Datacraft supports Earth Hour for the fourth consecutive year.
Catherine Tan oversees Datacraft’s Administration, Facilities, Business Continuity Plans as well as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs. With more than 20 years of experience in events conceptualization and execution, she leads the group through various initiatives and activities to create awareness and participation in community-related matters.
