Let's be cynical for a moment. Let's suggest Earth Hour is nothing but a gimmick, a way for people to allay their guilt and convince themselves they are doing their part for the planet.

Let's even put forward that dimming the lights for one hour is a meaningless gesture, like a tiny puff of wind beside the hurricane-sized problem of climate change.

OK, enough of that. Let's stop being such a stick in the mud.

Earth Hour isn't about conserving energy, even though as many as a billion people in 4, 88 countries did manage to do a little of that on Saturday.

The event is about awareness.

Every person who sat in the dark was making a personal statement that climate change is not only real, but also that it poses a genuine threat to society.

Collingwood residents get it. They cut electricity demand by 10 per cent  Penetanguishene residents seem to get it too. They cut electricity demand by 13 per cent between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. People in Midland lagged behind at 5.9 per cent, but that was still right around the provincial average.

As Earth Hour grows in popularity, it will become inevitable that more people and governments at all levels will have to take action. And that is the goal. Saving a bit of electricity is important, but personal awareness and responsibility can't end when Earth Hour does.

We'd like to suggest making this event a regular occurrence. Shut out the lights once a month, or even once a week.

At an even more basic level, think about ways to conserve every single day.

Turn out the lights when you leave a room; walk to the store instead of driving; replace that ancient beer fridge in the basement with a more energy-efficient model.

In short, stop being cynical about your ability to make a difference - and
just start doing it.