"I recognize the right and duty of this generation to develop and use our natural resources, but I do not recognize the right to waste them, or to rob by wasteful use, the generations that come after us."
Theodore Roosevelt, speech, Washington, D.C., 1900

On March 29, from 8 - 9 pm, Colorado Springs will be part of a worldwide event - joining cities such as Copenhagen, Toronto, Chicago, Melbourne and Tel Aviv in turning off all non-essential lights and appliances for one hour - Earth Hour.

For that one hour, businesses, landmarks and families will unite to send the message that energy conservation is not only necessary but attainable.

Spearheaded by a group of Colorado Springs high school students collectively called the Think Tank Team and sponsored by Imagination Celebration, this simple act is meant to encourage conservation, spur conversation and inspire the community to think creatively and take action.

The Sydney Effect

According to the official Earth Hour website, the idea for Earth Hour started with a question: How can we inspire people to take action on energy conservation?

The answer: Ask the people of Sydney to turn off their lights for one hour.

On March 31, 2007, 2.2 million people and 2100 Sydney businesses turned off their lights for one hour. This massive collective effort reduced Sydney's energy consumption by 10.2% for one hour, which is the equivalent effect of taking 48,000 cars off the road for one hour.

With Sydney icons like the Harbour Bridge and Opera House turning their lights off, and unique events such as weddings by candlelight, the world took notice. Inspired by the collective effort of millions of Sydneysiders, cities participating in Earth Hour 2008 are turning a symbolic event into a global movement.

Ranking in Jeopardy

Consistently ranked as one of the cleanest cities in the U.S. by the American Lung Association, Colorado Springs helps set the bar for other cities around the country. This distinction could be in danger with the planned construction of a new carbon-emitting, coal-fired power plant. To keep up with the energy demands of a rapidly-growing city, this plant is scheduled to be built by 2014, at a cost of millions of dollars to taxpayers. However, with planning and a determined effort by citizens and businesses to reduce emissions, it is possible to postpone or even halt construction altogether.

Creative Solutions

Colorado Springs' Earth Hour stands apart as the only one organized by high school students.

Allison Daniell, Director of Teen Programs for Imagination Celebration, heard about a similar project in London.Aftermentioning the idea in passing during a Think Tank Team meeting for another Imagination Celebration program,she found herself barraged with questions. The excitement in the room grew as the students began brainstorming ways to get the community involved. They felt passionately about the topic and wanted the opportunity to turn the idea into reality.

When the Think Tank Team approached Deborah Thornton, Imagination Celebration's Executive Director, about the project, there was no question in her mind that it was a perfect fit for the nonprofit organization.

"Imagination Celebration is all about the power of an individual to use creativity as a significant resource in their life, a great tool for addressing any issue," Thornton says. "This is an amazing opportunity for these young people to use their imaginations to inspire all of us to help make the Pikes Peak region a better place."

Members of the Think Tank Team immediately set to work, engaging their schools, talking to businesses and generating excitement within the community for the project. Because of their efforts, the Colorado Springs City Council recently approved a resolution to officially declare 8-9pm on March 29 th as "Earth Hour."

The students believe that Colorado Springs has the opportunity to surpass Earth Hour's official goal of a 5% reduction in emissions. "Sydney aimed for 5% and got 10.2%," says Amy Davidson, a senior at St. Mary's High School, "Colorado Springs is such a close-knit community that we should definitely be able to achieve 10%!"

Daniell is in awe of the Think Tank Team's commitment to the project and what they have accomplished. "It's great to see teenagers from different high schools come together for a common goal," she says. "It's important for high school students to feel that they have a voice and have the ability to make change happen. I know our community will support and encourage their efforts."

Candlelit Dinners and Shadow Puppets

The Think Tank Team and Imagination Celebration are encouraging individuals and businesses to think creatively about how they will spend Earth Hour. "Turn off the lights, unplug the computer and television and have a "campout" in the living room with your kids," suggests Thornton. "Or hold a Scrabble tournament by candlelight. Or make shadow puppets on the wall. Or visit a participating restaurant like El Tesoro for a candlelit dinner. The possibilities are endless!"

For more ideas and to sign up for a "Count Down to Earth Hour" email with energy conservation tips and a list of participating businesses, go to www.imaginationcelebration.org. If your business would like to participate, call the Imagination Celebration office at 597-3344.