This Saturday, March 28th from 8.30pm to 9.30pm is Earth Hour. It is a global event with more than 1 billion people switching off their lights to express unified concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions to this crisis. Famous international landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower and the Acropolis, to name a few, have committed to switching off their lights for Earth Hour.

To take part, simply switch off all your lights for this one hour. "No need to sit in the dark on your own - Earth Hour candlelit dinners are gaining popularity in homes and restaurants around the world and are a really fun way to get family and friends involved too" says Elizabeth Campbell from Sustainable Maleny.

"Earth Hour encourages us to break our usual habits. Once we experience how easy it is, then subsequent steps to reduce energy use seem less daunting", says Barry Earsman of Sustainable Maleny.

This year, Maleny Supa IGA has committed to Earth Hour and will switch off all non-essential lighting during Earth Hour this Saturday night. Owner Rob Outridge says "this event is growing in profile and we are happy to be part of it".

Elizabeth Campbell of Sustainable Maleny is asking all local businesses to consider following Maleny Supa IGA's example and switch off their lights during Earth Hour. "It's a great chance for Maleny to be part of making the Sunshine Coast region the most sustainable in Australia, the stated goal of our Council".

If local businesses want to participate in Earth Hour, please contact Sustainable Maleny on 54999846 or email info@sustainablemaleny.org. A list of participating businesses will be made available on the Sustainable Maleny website.

More details at www.earthhour.org or www.sustainablemaleny.org