Polski
This year, the change to daylight saving time coincides with International Zero Waste Day and Earth Hour. On March 30, let’s not only remember to stop watches, let’s also think about responsible waste management and river conservation.
Summer time change on the last weekend of March
With the arrival of spring, watches can be switched to daylight saving time. This year the change will take place on the night of Saturday March 30 to Sunday March 31. In doing so, it is important to remember that we move the hands forward one hour, from 2:00 to 3:00.
The change from winter to daylight saving time was primarily intended to bring electricity savings. Its effectiveness is confirmed by studies from New Zealand and the US, which showed a decrease in electricity consumption after the introduction of daylight saving time. However, there is no unanimity on the cost-effectiveness of this change, since energy consumption also depends on, among other things. From the weather. According to proponents of switching watches, daylight saving time can also promote greater road safety. However, paradoxically, accident statistics seem to contradict this statement.
Nowadays, switching time twice a year is increasingly seen as a problem, and in many areas of life. Trains have to extend stops, and flights and IT systems require time recalculation. Banks often block access to their services during the sensitive hour.
International Zero Waste Day 2024
On March 30, it is worth remembering not only the change to daylight saving time, but also International Zero Waste Day. Although this is a new holiday – established on December 14, 2022. by decision of the UN General Assembly – is to be celebrated annually. The day pays special attention to the need for global waste management and promotes sustainable production and consumption methods. The key to solving the waste issue, according to the UN, is to treat it as a resource, not just a problem.
The dangers of overconsumption are becoming increasingly apparent. The United Nations indicates that the waste sector has a significant impact on three major crises affecting the planet: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. You don’t have to look far – illegal garbage dumps are found along streams and rivers, and anglers often fish out plastic bottles instead of fish. What’s more, tons of garbage lays at the bottom of rivers, seas or oceans. They pollute the water, posing a deadly threat to the health and life of aquatic animals, and thus to us as well.
As it turns out, we create 2.1 to 2.3 billion tons of waste every year, from packaging to electronics to plastics and food scraps. As the UN estimates, if appropriate action is not taken, by 2050. Annual municipal waste generation will reach 3.8 billion tons!
Earth Hour – 17th edition already
Another important initiative that culminates on March 30 is Earth Hour. It’s a global environmental movement led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that aims to raise awareness about climate change and encourage people to save electricity and take action to protect the environment. The origins of the campaign can be traced back to 2007, when the lights were first put out in Sydney, Australia. It was attended by more than 2.2 million people and about 2,000. companies to express their concern about the consequences of climate change. The campaign instantly became popular, with more than 180 countries from around the world now participating.
The very idea of Earth Hour came as early as 2004. as a response to scientific findings indicating the growing threat of climate change effects. It was at this time that the Australian WWF, together with advertising agency Leo Burnett Sydney, worked on ways to increase public involvement in climate issues. As a result of the cooperation in 2006. came up with the idea for a lights-out campaign with the working title The Big Flick.
From now on, once a year, on the last Saturday of March, people are encouraged to turn off lights and electrical appliances in homes, offices or public buildings for an hour (from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Organizers of the campaign also encourage people to save water, segregate waste, choose environmentally friendly modes of transportation, reduce plastic consumption or plant trees.
This year, March 30 is not just a symbolic date for the change to daylight saving time. It’s also a moment that can inspire environmental action. By joining International Zero Waste Day and Earth Hour, we can draw attention to climate issues and build a more sustainable future for our planet.
