Powering Down for Earth Hour 

On Saturday, March 26 at 8:30 p.m. millions of people around the world will unite for one of the largest environmental demonstrations in the world - Earth Hour.  Earth Hour is a symbolic demonstration that small efforts, when performed on a large scale, can have a positive long-term impact. This year's theme is "beyond the hour", encouraging people to sustain their efforts and impact throughout the year.

For the fourth year, ComEd will join the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to bring Earth Hour to Illinois. To kick-off Earth Hour locally, ComEd is teaming up with the Merchandise Mart to switch off the lights of the Merchandise Mart building, one of Chicago's greatest landmarks. ComEd is the lead sponsor of Earth Hour in Chicago.

ComEd is encouraging residents, businesses and organizations throughout its service territory to power down for one hour in support of Earth Hour. This symbolic gesture demonstrates how together everyone can make a difference in creating a more sustainable future.

Last year ComEd reported a reduction of approximately 100 megawatt hours of electricity during Earth Hour. This is the equivalent of reducing 124,000 pounds of carbon dioxide or planting 15 acres of trees. In addition to Chicago, more than 30 municipalities participated in Earth Hour Other participants across the state included:

Approximately 200 downtown Chicago buildings, State Capitol Dome, the Governor's Mansion and all State of Illinois government buildings, more than 70 colleges, universities, and secondary and primary schools, more than 12 museums, more than 10 park districts, including 250 Chicago Park District field houses and facilities.

For more information on celebrating Earth Hour and ways to conserve energy "beyond the hour," visit Earth Hour Illinois on Facebook, or

http://www.worldwildlife.org/sites/earthhour/index.html.

Remember, don't forget to flip the switch. 

SLS Green Team