Earth Hour is a global initiative that was launched by the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007. It is an annual event celebrated on the last Saturday of March every year. The event is marked by turning off non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 pm local time, as a symbol of commitment to the planet. This year, Earth Hour will take place on March 25th, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time. It is a global movement that aims to raise awareness about climate change and encourage people to take action to protect the environment.

While turning off the lights for an hour may seem like a small act, it can have a big impact. By reducing energy consumption, we can reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, which helps to mitigate climate change. But Earth Hour is not just about turning off the lights. It's about taking action to protect the planet.

One way to invest in our planet during Earth Hour is to plant a tree. Trees are natural carbon sinks, which means they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass. By planting a tree, you can help to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and improve air quality. Trees also provide habitat for wildlife, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to the beauty of our natural landscapes. Recently Praj employees along with natives and local NGOs voluntarily contributed to rejuvenate the barren corridor of Koyna-Chandoli with lush green cover. Through collective efforts, more than 4000 trees were planted for the restoration of private forest in 11.7 hectares of 132 km corridor. This activity facilitated economic benefits to the local community by proving alternative livelihoods, eco-friendly handicrafts, medicinal plants and eco-tourism.

Another way to invest in our planet during Earth Hour is to reduce your plastic consumption. Plastic pollution is a major environmental issue that is harming marine life, polluting our oceans, and impacting our health. By reducing your plastic consumption, you can help to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in our environment. Some ways to reduce your plastic consumption include using reusable water bottles, bringing your own bags to the grocery store, and avoiding single-use plastics. With a strong formidable track record in providing renewable transportation fuel, Praj has kickstarted into Renewable Chemicals and Materials with its Bio-PrismTM portfolio. To curb the evils of the plastic menace and to support the government of India’s single use ban on plastic, a team of scientists at the Praj Research and Development facility has developed the technology to generate bioplastic from lignocellulosic feedstocks that are biodegradable. To accelerate the commercialization of bioplastics, Praj is setting up the first-of-its-kind demo plant for Polylactic Acid (PLA) at Jejuri in the outskirts of Pune. This pilot facility will be used for scaled production of Food Grade Lactic Acid and Polylactic Acid.

We can also invest in our planet during Earth Hour by supporting renewable energy. Renewable energy, beyond wind and solar power, biofuels are a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. By embracing Bioeconomy and supporting renewable energy, we can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere and promote a more sustainable future.

Finally, we can invest in our planet during Earth Hour by advocating for environmental policies and supporting organizations that are working to protect the planet. By raising awareness about climate change, advocating for sustainable practices, and supporting organizations that are working to protect the planet, we can make a positive impact on the environment.

In conclusion, Earth Hour is an opportunity to show our support for the planet and take action to protect it. By turning off our lights and investing in our planet, we can make a positive impact on the environment and help to mitigate climate change. Remember, every small action counts and can make a difference in protecting our planet for future generations. Let's use this Earth Hour as an opportunity to make a difference and invest in a more sustainable future.