Wang Yuanyuan
MORE than 40 foreigners living in Shenzhen marked “Earth Hour” at Lotus Hill Park on Saturday evening with dozens of locals.
During the event, which was held to increase awareness of the global environmental crisis, attendees discussed ways to be eco-friendly.
The event began at 6 p.m. and was co-organized by James Baquet from the United States and Ranajit Dam, Shenzhen Daily copy editor.
Baquet, who has been living in Shenzhen for four years, said the event was held to provide a better understanding of how electronic appliances could be used in more eco-friendly ways.
“One of the easiest ways to do something about the planet is passing on things you don’t need to people who need them, which is also what we do on Freecycle,” suggested Al Hewat, a Scotsman who has started a group called Freecycle Shenzhen.
The group is part of The Freecycle Network, a nonprofit organization registered in the U.S. state of Arizona that runs a worldwide network of “gifting” groups, aiming to divert reusable goods from landfill.
Philip McMaster, an environmental consultant from Canada, also gave a speech. He has already begun his “Society Economy Environment” program in China.
“We have already organized Shenzhen Eco City and New Town Construction International Forum in Shenzhen on March 8 and we are expecting more local people to join this program to let the whole world know the accomplishments Chinese can make for environment,” McMaster said.
“It is all about changing your lifestyle,” said Briton Harry Walker, who became the first foreign winner of Shenzhen Residents’ Environmental Protection Award in 2005.
Apart from the speeches, attendees played games involving co-operation and teamwork before Canadian musician Dave Seymour gave a performance.
The organizers had suggested attendees switch off their household appliances before leaving home for the event.
Three hotels — Crowne Plaza and Donghua Holiday Inn, Nanshan District, and Landmark Shenzhen, Luohu District — also joined in the “Earth Hour” campaign by turning off all ornamental lights. Diners enjoyed candle-light dinners from 8 to 9 p.m. and hotel guests were asked to turn off room lights for one hour.
“Earth Hour” is a global event to show that the people of the world care about the future of the planet. At 8 p.m. on Saturday, dozens of cities across the world turned off lights for one hour to combat global warming.
