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BC  

Save money over planet

British Columbians care about saving the planet – but they care more about saving a few bucks.

A BC Hydro report released Friday finds most think Earth Hour is important, despite four years of declining participation.

The report, titled Lights out: Why Earth Hour is dimming in B.C., found electricity usage dropped by just 0.3 per cent during the hour-long unplug event in 2017. That's a mere 15 per cent of the savings achieved in 2008. 

The decline comes despite seven in 10 of those surveyed saying they intend to participate this Saturday.

At nearly 70 per cent, most said their primary motivator is to save money. Only 15 per cent said their main reason for unplugging is the environment.

More than 80 per cent felt it would take a savings of $300 or more for them to change their ways. 

Hydro is still encouraging people to turn off the lights between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

“While Earth Hour may have lost some of its momentum in B.C. in recent years, we still see this as a symbolic event – a way to raise awareness about energy conservation,” said president Chris O’Riley.

Want to save? Here's 10 tips from BC Hydro that could save you up to $455 a year:

  • Unplug that second fridge and save up to $90 per year.
  • Lower the thermostat to 21 C during the day and 16 C while sleeping to save up to $72 per year.
  • Unplug unused electronics and save $50 per year.
  • Hang dry laundry to save about $47 per year.
  • Be strategic with window coverings to keep warm/cool air in during winter/summer to save about $45.
  • Skip the dishwasher heat-dry setting and save up to $37 per year.
  • Cut one load of laundry per week by only running full loads and save $30 per year.
  • Reduce shower time by a minute to save $30 per year.
  • Wash laundry in cold water and save up to $27 per year.
  • Toss a dry towel in the dryer and save $27 per year.


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