The Lights Will Go Out In Georgia...For One "Earth Hour"

Exclaiming “What a turn off!” can have benefits. The lights will be turned off in Atlanta from 8 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, as Mayor Shirley Franklin honors the World Wildlife Fund’s charge to join cities around the world in Earth Hour 2008. Going powerless for an hour is a powerful way to demonstrate commitment to finding a solution to the climate change issue. Millions of concerned consumers in one city for each global time zone -- from Bangkok to Copenhagen, Sydney to Tel Aviv, and Atlanta to San Francisco -- will douse the lights from 8 to 9 p.m. local time as a historic, international gesture that’s in essence a world-wide wave with lights off. Dozens of major Atlanta landmark buildings in Downtown, Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead will go dark in honor of the event, as will neighborhoods across the city. City officials, local police and fire departments, electrical utilities such as Georgia Power, and private and public organizations have all become involved to coordinate logistics in Atlanta. Georgia Power will measure the drop in electricity use during the event and will provide additional logistical support and assistance. In the long run, benefits will come as participants and readers like you replace older light bulbs with highly-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, pledge to take actions to reduce their energy consumption on a daily basis.

During Earth Hour, see light in a new way as these Atlanta restaurants honor the pledge:
At least one cocktail will glow in the dark during the In the Dark party at Marlow’s Tavern Midtown. Out go the lights at 8 p.m., replaced by candles and backed by live music and drink specials. Glow sticks anyone? 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Outdoor lights are ttfn (ta-ta for now) during the eight o’clock hour at all 12 Atlanta Chipotle Mexican Grill locations on March 29. The Earth Hour mission and serving “Food With Integrity” go hand-in-hand at the fresh-is-best burrito haven. Power down your own kitchen and light up your dinner with a made-to-order burrito, taco or bowl at your nearby Chipotle!