Coventry to Go Dark in Support of Protecting the Planet

At their most recent meeting, Town Council members approved the Town of Coventry's first year of participation in the World Wildlife Fund's "Earth Hour" on March 23 at 8:30 p.m. Councilman Ted Jendzejec proposed the idea to Council after it was brought to his attention by constituents. 

Coventry is one of thousands of cities and towns around the world who have pledged to turn off all non-essential lights in and around government buildings for one hour. The WWF's annual campaign raises awareness about environmental challenges that we all face such as climate change.

Apart from municipal buildings and schools, "Earth Hour" can be celebrated by residents throughout Coventry, simply by turning off the lights in their homes from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. next Saturday.

Participating towns also have the chance to make an even bigger impact by joining the "Earth Hour City Challenge", a nationwide competition among cities and towns to prepare for increasingly extreme weather and a transition towards a 100% renewable energy future. The Challenge offers a platform and benefits package that will reward participating communities that take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and prepare for weather conditions that are becoming more frequent such as drought, extreme heat, flooding rains and intense coastal storms coupled with sea level rise.

Residents can officially pledge to take part in the March 23 event at the WWF's Earth Hour website and can click here to spread the word to others via social media and community groups.

"I'm very glad to see this on our agenda," said Councilman Greg Laboissonniere. "A town that is fortunate enough to have the natural resources that we do needs to support this."

To learn more about "Earth Hour", visit www.worldwildlife.org/earthhour.