Earth Hour 2023 unites more than 60 NGOs, NGAs and LGUs to give the biggest hour for Earth

The celebration of Earth Hour 2023 in the Philippines was a success, with iconic landmarks, local governments, and businesses across the country participating in the switch-off. 

Earth Hour is an annual event organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines (WWF-Philippines) that encourages people to turn off their lights for an hour as a symbol of their commitment to the planet. This global movement aims to raise awareness about climate change and the need for urgent action to mitigate its impacts. The event also seeks to highlight the value of nature as climate’s secret ally and the halting of biodiversity loss as one of the organization’s critical advocacies.

#Connect2Earth: Globe solidifies climate change support through action-led initiatives

Earth Hour is the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment, representing large-scale public clamor for a sustainable future and the protection of the environment.

On Saturday, 27 March at 8:30 p.m. local time, this global event will virtually bring together millions of people, businesses and leaders from around the world to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change. With evidence pointing towards a close link between nature's destruction and rising incidences of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, Earth Hour 2021 will unite people online to speak up for nature. This event comes ahead of key moments when world leaders will take critical decisions on nature, climate change and sustainable development, setting the course of our future.

As part of its support to Earth Hour, Globe has also established several initiatives that put the planet first such as WasSUP ('Wag Sa Single Use Plastic), a sustainability program that advocates a zero waste lifestyle and educates Globe employees on how avoidance of single-use plastics can protect the environment. Globe has collaborated with Green Antz Builders Inc. for proper disposal and processing of single-use plastic wastes within their office premises by purchasing a new plastic shredder. Clean and dry plastics are shredded and brought to the Green Antz facility in Arca South, Taguig for further processing and conversion to eco-bricks and eco pavers.

It also worked with Vending Experts Night and Day Philippines, Inc. (VEND Phils. Inc.) to come out with first vending machines that operate using the Quick Response (QR) code for cashless and contactless transactions via GCash. 28 machines have been installed in Globe offices and an automatic PhP1.00 GCASH rebate is given every time a Ka-Globe uses his or her own mug.

Globe customers may further take part in the zero-carbon initiatives. Here’s how:

1.       Donate your Globe Rewards Points

Be part of the rainforestation advocacy by supporting Globe’s rainforestation initiatives through your Globe Rewards points. Globe supports Hineleban Foundation for the rainforestation of denuded primary forests in Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur. Together with its has already raised a total of PhP 15.6 million equivalent to 156 hectares of reforestation sites planted with Calliandra as pioneer species coupled with multiple native trees such as Narra, White Lauan, Balsa, Bitaog, and Ulayan.

Every 100 Rewards points donation is equivalent to one tree. To donate, just download the Globe Rewards app on your mobile device and click the “DONATE” banner. Tap “HINELEBAN100” and press “REDEEM”. Download the app via https://www.globe.com.ph/rewards.html#GRewardsApp

The company also engaged in a long-term partnership with The Mead Foundation for the reforestation of upland forests in Iba, Zambales in collaboration with the local IP community. To support, go to https://mead-foundation.org/trees/ and scan the QR code using your GCASH app. Every PhP100 donation is equivalent to 1 native tree planted.

2.       Go Digital - Use GCASH and help reforest the country

Every successful GCash transaction earns you equivalent green energy in GCash Forest. You can collect these green energy by linking your health accounts, switching to online GCash transactions and reducing your carbon footprint. With enough green energy, you can plant a virtual tree and a real tree will be planted on your behalf by partner local communities. Help rebuild Philippine forests and protect our remaining watersheds! Download the app now via Google Play and App Store or go directly to https://www.gcash.com/gforest/

3.       Enroll in Paperless Billing

Globe actively encourages its customers to shift to electronic billing in order to reduce paper consumption and decrease environmental footprint. In addition, by automating and migrating to a paperless process, the company was able to save over 781 tons of paper, equivalent to saving 18,753 trees in 2020.

4.       Practice Zero waste at home. Donate your old, non-working electronic gadgets through Globe’s Ewaste Zero program

E-waste Zero is Globe´s environmental program focused on responsible disposal and recycling of electronic wastes. The program was formerly called “Project 1 Phone” and remains to be a platform for everyone to donate their old, non-working electronic devices via participating Globe Stores, select malls and offices of partner organizations.

Since its launch in 2014, Globe has worked with more than 66 corporations, private organizations, NGOs and schools nationwide. To date, more than 1.4 million kilograms of ewaste were donated, collected and recycled responsibly.

You may drop your e-waste items in more than 120 locations nationwide. This includes select Globe stores, participating malls and offices of partner organizations. To see the full list of drop of points or request for free door-to-door pickups, go to Globe’s Sustainability website - https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/environment.html

5.       Together, let us reduce our carbon footprint. Switch to renewable energy or simply switch off lights when not in use

Conserve energy by being mindful of your power consumption. Turn off lights and home appliances when not in use and, if possible, shift to renewable energy by using solar panels.

Similarly, Globe is constantly finding ways to reduce its impact to the environment by shifting to renewable or clean energy sources. In 2020, a total of 7 key sites have totally shifted to clean energy sources which is a milestone for the company since it started its efforts on decarbonizing its facilities. It has also decommissioned legacy machines to ensure only energy efficient systems are in place for its operations.

Globe has been supporting Earth Hour since it was first held in 2007. This year, Globe will again participate by turning off lights and non-critical equipment in its offices and key facilities during the global event on Saturday. Through this action, the company hopes to encourage the public to continuously look for ways to live and operate sustainably.

All these are part of Globe’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as UN SDG No. 12—Sustainable Consumption and Production—which is about achieving economic growth and sustainable development by urgently reducing ecological footprint. It is also about decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, increasing resource efficiency and promoting sustainable lifestyles by changing the way people produce and consume goods and resources; and SDG No. 13, which is to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

To learn more about Globe’s environmental initiatives, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability.html

Ayoko Ng Plastic!" Is Earth Hour Philippines' Battle Cry this 2019

On the second year of the global #Connect2Earth theme of Earth Hour that calls for the urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines continues to focus on the issue of single-use plastics and how addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature.

Now on its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon. 

WWF-Philippines: Earth Hour 2018 to push for intensified environmental actions

Supporting global calls to protect earth’s biodiversity, thousands trooped to the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ front lawn in Pasay City to take part in the official Earth Hour switch-off event led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

WWF-Philippines’ CEO and President Joel M. Palma said, “The Philippines will continue to play an important role in sending a message to the rest of the world that we can tread the path to sustainable development and help protect our people and planet’s health and wellbeing. Thriving biodiversity serves as our lifeline, as it holds us all together.”

Earth Hour 2018 tackles biodiversity in a changing climate

Countdown is set for March 24 as World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines urges Filipinos to join the much-anticipated Earth Hour 2018 with the theme #Connect2Earth, which calls on the urgent need to care for our planet’s biodiversity. 

This year, Earth Hour’s Manila staging will come home to the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, the venue of the Philippines’ first Earth Hour switch-off event 10 years ago. Annually, Earth Hour attracts millions of people around the world to converge around major world landmarks, cities, and communities to hold switch-off events for 60 minutes – starting at 8:30pm, as a sign of commitment to address the plight of our planet and our people.  

Samsung supports Earth Hour through its "Turn Off Your Light" Campaign

 On March 25, Samsung invites everyone to switch off their lights for one hour and demonstrate their commitment to fighting climate change to support World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the WWF campaign and is set to happen this Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening.

Samsung expresses their support in this advocacy with the “Turn Off Your Light” campaign launched last March 21. The campaign was organized to precede Earth Hour as Samsung elected to kick off its campaign on a weekday evening – reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions – and encouraging its employees to raise the issue of climate change and electricity inequality at home with their families.

Samsung Philippines along with over 51 global sales branches participated in this campaign. It began at a sales branch in New Zealand, which was followed by branches in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Central and South America, and North America respectively. The amount of electric charge saved at these branches were delivered, along with social welfare donations, to the residents of Tiom, a rural village in Indonesia’s Papua province, that are suffering from electricity shortages.

Lights of Hope: WWF-Philippines Deploys Solar Lamps in Beton, Palawan

About 15 million Filipinos have no access to electricity. Living in far-flung villages which are not directly connected to power grids, they instead rely on highly-flammable kerosene to light up their homes. This lack of access to a safe, stable, and sustainable energy source hinders opportunities for social and economic advancement.

Located in the municipality of Taytay in northern Palawan, the remote island-community of Beton is home to an estimated 300 families who rely on subsistence fishing and seaweed farming for food and livelihood. The majority of them make do with living in darkness after sundown.

Earth Hour Philippines to Give the Gift of Light Organizers ask for help in deploying solar lamps

Polar lamps to light up off-grid island communities will help children study better at night, says Earth Hour organizers in the Philippines. 

Around 15 million Filipinos lack regular access to electricity, relying instead on flammable and expensive kerosene lamps to illuminate their homes. “I must earn an additional PHP150 (USD3.5) each month to buy half-a-gallon of kerosene,” says Joys Dominguez, a 35-year old fisherman from the island community of Beton in Northern Palawan. “I have four small kids. If they tip over just one of the lamps, our wooden hut can burn down. I need safe lights for my family.”

It’s Earth Hour 24/7 At The Kapuso Network

On 31 March 2012, between 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the islands of the Philippines are set to go dark – all in the name of saving energy and keeping the planet green.

This, in a nutshell, is what Earth Hour is all about.

Every year, GMA Network aligns with WWF Philippines to help celebrate this global event. The lights of the Network’s headquarters in Quezon City go off during the annual Switch Off event. In 2011, GMA 7 had an expanded participation, so to speak, as its originating stations in various provinces also had their lights turned off for 60 minutes in commemoration of Earth Hour.

Manual To Lyf and Krisis Komix! Supports EARTH HOUR

I support Earth Hour. Please support it too. WWF-Philippines

Krisis Komix will also celebrate its 3rd anniversary as it was launched on Earth Hour 2009. Now There will be upcoming strips for the relaunch of the series and the new comics. 

From 8:30pm to 9:30pm this coming 31 March, WWF-Philippines will again stage Earth Hour to inspire Filipinos to switch off their lights and dare their friends to save planet Earth. 

How can you participate?


EARTH HOUR 60+
I WILL IF YOU WILL Campaign

SM Cyberzone TechnoLife Affair

Technology, Cosplay, Gadgets and all in between that is happening at the SM Megamall

Activity Center for the technolife affair. The three day event that features the latest

gadgets and technology. The event happened on March 24-26, 2011. The first two days

introduced the latest technology on day one and day two featured the experts in Yahoo and

Microsoft to harness the power of social networking.

The third day was the main event which features Cosplay acts and celebrities like sisters

Alodia and Ashley Goshiengfiao. Which drew a lot of attention from the mall goers. Alodia

also displayed some of her costumes that she wore and in which some won different awards.

It's my type of event since I do love blogging, technology and especially Cosplay.

  

Aside from cosplay and blogs, there was also a seminar for photography and making money

using the internet by Jomar Hillario. These gave beginners and ideas that they can use in

taking pictures and going online in the future.

I also passed the booths around the venue. One of them was for Microsoft which features

their windows 7 phones like HTC, and they also exhibited computers that uses the new

Internet Explorer 9. And the juicy part is after you try them you can get a prize on their

pachinko. I got a I love windows 7 pin! Something to add to my pin collection!

Azrael Coladila also gave a talk about blogging 101. He shared his experiences, how he

started and gave a lot of tips about blogging. Bloggers were also present to cover the

event. There is also a blogging contest after the talk and the winner can take home an

HTC phone! Ayeeeee!

To get to know about technology and upcoming event visit SM cyberzone's facebook page!

What a fun day to celebrate earth hour!