10 Fun Things You can Do with the Family during Earth Hour

Tomorrow, March 23, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm, the Philippines will once again take part in the great switch-off, Earth Hour 2013. And we Pinoys have every reason to be proud, because for the last four years that this global movement has been in practice, our country has been on top in terms of town and city participation.

(Related story: Philippines Aims for Earth Hour’s Top Spot for the 5th Year)

If you have ever participated in this endeavor, then you know just what turning off the lights for one hour equates to. In the past, the Philippines actually reduced energy consumption by as much as around 78 megawatts (about the power used by 780 car engines!) in Metro Manila alone. 

This year, whether you’re trying it out for the first time or adding another Earth Hour to your 2013 to-dos, turn it into an opportunity for some good ol’ fun without the lights on. Here are some of our recommended activities that hopefully the whole family can enjoy.

1. Play board games.
Earth Hour means just turning off the non-essential switches, so with a handy rechargeable lamp, you can still safely enjoy a game of Monopoly or Scrabble. Instead of each kid playing games on his smart phone, tablet or gaming console, this activity will let the family reconnect, the non-electronic way.

2. Make funny shapes with shadows.
Flash the light of your rechargeable lamp or flashlight onto a blank wall while you and the kids come up with funny or scary shadows. They’ll look like gigantic figures looming above you!

[previous|page|next]

3. Play hide and seek.
The house can be a totally different place when all the lights are out. Pick two to three rooms and designate these as places for a game of hide and seek. Nooks and crannies bathed in shadows make great hiding places!

4. Have an impromptu storytelling session.
Take a break from the usual storybook reading and come up with one of the craziest versions yet. Who are the writers? Everyone in the family of course! Have each member come up with a sentence to weave a tale that comes from everyone’s creativity.

5. Go stargazing.
When your surroundings are devoid of light, the sky appears immensely clearer and the stars all the brighter. When the lights are off, stretch out on picnic mats on your lawn and gaze at the starlit sky. If it’s meteor shower season, watch out for shooting stars and make a wish!

6. Sing and dance.
Seriously. Bring out the guitars, the xylophones, whatever you can improvise with to create music, and dance.

7. Go on a spampering treat.
From giving each other simple backrubs (you can do it in a circle!), to putting on facial masks with matching cucumber slices on your eyelids, having the lights low makes perfect ambience for relaxation.

[previous|page|next]

8. Roast marshmallows over a campfire.
Set up a bonfire in your backyard and make some s’mores. Make sure it’s just the adults who handle the dangerous tasks!

9. Have a pillow fight.
Unleash your childlike self and go on a pillow fight with the kids! The winner gets a treat, like a free movie or her favorite pizza delivered the next day.

10. Have a feast.
Before Earth Hour begins, stock up on tubs of the family’s favorite ice cream in the freezer, then feast on them while cuddling together in one bed.

Let us know if you try any of these activities and had a blast! Let’s show just how much we love the planet by taking part in this simple but earth-saving hour.