On Saturday March 29, 2008, citizens of Portland joined millions of people in cities around the world to celebrate Earth Hour. Thirty or more people gathered in Monument Square just before the countdown led by Portland's Mayor and Chairman of the city's Energy and Environmental Sustainability Committee, Ed Suslovick. Portland businesses and residents took part in the global initiative to shut off their lights for one hour in an effort to raise awareness about global warming. Mayor Suslovick isssued a proclamation at the last City Council Meeting announcing that the city of Portland would join "the wave" and encouraged area businesses to participate as well. Earth Hour Portland was organized by a group of women activists from the Sierra Club Maine Chapter, which inncludes myself. All of the organizers are members of the Smart Energy/Global Warming Committee with the Sierra Club. It was a very chilly evening, but many braved the cold to show their committment to finding solutions to the most critical issue of our times. We are in a very good place right now because everyone of us recongnizes that global warming and the emerging energy crisis effects us all. Most of us also recognize that conserving energy is not only good for the planet, but it is good for our economy. For Maine, investing in renewable energy and energy effeciency, is paramount to the future sustainability of the state we love, so remember to make Earth Hour everyday. Thanks to all that participated in Earth Hour Portland!
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