I am pleased to have been asked to be the global ambassador for Earth Hour 2011. 

Each of us has a responsibility for the sustainability of our planet and each of us can make a difference if we choose to do so.

On 26 March at 8:30pm Earth Hour 2011 will take place - globally.  This is an opportunity for every individual, every business and every community to switch their lights off for one hour in a collective display of commitment to protect the one thing that unites us all - the planet. 

I will personally be participating in the Earth Hour event on 26 March 2011 along with hundreds of millions of people globally and I will continue to adopt sustainability practices thereafter in my everyday life.... 

Some of the things that I recommend we can do in our homes:

* Buy local produce from markets thereby reducing food miles

* Walking or riding the bike wherever possible as opposed to driving

* Ensure the car tyres are always inflated to the correct level as they use less fuel

* Use fuel with Ethanol

* Turn off the lights and use organic or beeswax candles a lot of the time

* Unplug appliances when they are not in use

* Use heating and cooling when absolutely necessary

* Wash in mostly cold water

* Use chemical-free dish washing, washing powder and cleaning products

* Recycle, recycle, recycle

* Buy products with the highest recyclability

* Purchase clothes that are ethically made, not mass produced

* Dress in Organic clothing

* Install water-saving nozzles on all taps including showers

* Compost scraps whenever possible

* Prepare food plans so as to avoid food wastage

* Grow herbs and spices

* Have timed showers to use less water

* Water the plants of an evening

* Bury food scraps in the garden bed to feed the earth worms or compost

* Collecting grey water from bath and use it to water plants

* Using Certified Organic personal care products (avoid using chemicals)

* Wash the car on the grass with environmentally friendly car wash

* Buy Certified Organic or Farmers markets produce.  I understand that certified organics can be expensive, but local farmers markets for the most part are usually reasonable.  On my blog (www.koraorganics.com/blog) I include a list of Farmers Markets from around the world so that people will have ready access to the same.

Together we can make a difference!   For further details on how you can participate in Earth Hour plus take Earth Hour - "Beyond the Hour" refer to www.earthhour.org I look forward to hearing from you.

Love Miranda xxx