Flip a Switch

The premise of Earth Hour, now in its third year, is simple: For an hour — in this case, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time tonight — individuals and organizations are encouraged to turn off all non-essential lights and electronics in the interest of global climate change, not to mention their own bank accounts. The State Capitol, the Governor’s Mansion and Invesco Field are all going dark. But for businesses, especially bars and restaurants that pull in much of their revenue on Saturday nights, the execution isn’t as simple. Or so you’d think.

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More About

• Niya Diehl
• Invesco Field
• Nature and the Environment
• Environmental Issues and Protection

“Initially, there was a little hesitation from everyone, like, ‘Oh, my God, what’s going to happen?’” remembers Niya Diehl, general manager of Mead St. Station, about the 2009 event. (Mead St. is participating again this year.) “But it was fun. We had candles on all the tables and across the bar,” as well as handheld flashlights that charged when pumped. “People were really into it,” she adds. “When we turned the lights back on, everyone was like, ‘Nooo! Turn ’em off!’”

Last year, nearly a billion people across 87 countries participated in Earth Hour; to learn more, go to www.earthour.org.
Sat., March 27, 8:30-9:30 p.m., 2010