FARMERS and food are the focus of this year’s Earth Hour crusade with local activists eager to see Tenterfield switch off in support.
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From a home-grown event held in Sydney back in 2007 to the largest participation event in the world, Earth Hour and its message is reaching all corners of the globe.
One person’s aim to see it more locally recognised has grown into a twilight event to be held Saturday night.
“I would mention Earth Hour to people and be met with blank stares,” Sue Eaton said.
“Last year we switched off the lights in our house and then I’d look outside the window and we were the only ones.
“I just wanted to get more people thinking about it,” she said.
Each year organisers decide on a theme to highlight with primary producers the focus in 2015.
“I don’t think it’s necessarily about whether it is a pertinent issue or not, which it is, the focus is about being gentler on the planet – just being more mindful of resources,” Sue said.
Ms Eaton isn’t a “tree-hugging greenie” and insists it is simply common sense to acknowledge that finite resources are depleting.
“We want to simply create awareness – the night won’t be about getting into arguments but just acknowledging this is going on,” she said.
The Bohemian Tearoom’s owner, Jenny McLaren will host the event and said she didn’t need convincing when Sue brought up the idea.
“When the idea of a twilight event came up I said that sounds like a really good idea, let’s do that.
“With drought and everything that has gone on its amazing there are farmers still around really – it’s heartbreaking,” Ms McLaren said.
Last year an estimated 2 billion people from 7000 cities in 162 countries took part in Earth Hour and Jenny encouraged locals to bring a plate and do their part for Tenterfield.
“Guests are invited to bring a dish of food, hopefully homemade from local produce, and share a meal with friends – by candlelight of course.”
And if it goes well the pair said they may look to hold more regular events akin to this Saturday’s.
“We hope we can stimulate some conversation,” Sue said.
Join in with the rest of the country and switch your lights off for 60 minutes from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday.
The “paddock to plate dinner” gets underway at the Bohemian Tearoom at 137 Rouse St from 6.30pm with no charge, live music and all drinks and glasses are BYO.
