News

Tupelo vows a green hour without lights

March 13, 2009 - Daily Journal

BY EMILY LE COZ

TUPELO - The city will darken one hour March 28 in solidarity with communities across the planet trying to reduce global warming.

At 8:30 p.m., Tupelo will turn off its lights and city officials have encouraged residents and businesses to do the same. The effort is part of Earth Hour 2009, an international movement created by the World Wildlife Fund.

"It's important for all of us to emphasize the conservation of our resources," said Mayor Ed Neelly. "This is symbolic gesture to help us all be more conscious of that."

This is Tupelo's first year for Earth Hour, which began in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and last year spread across the world. This time, more than 1,000 communities in 80 countries have pledged their support, according to the movement's Web site.

Tupelo Sustainability Director Travis Hunsicker has led the effort here. He is seeking participation from city department heads, businesses and residents.

"More than just showing how much energy we can reduce by doing this, this is probably the most significant and easiest way to get people's attention in regards to energy use," Hunsicker said. "By getting the whole community involved, we can start to make progress."

Besides the municipality, participants so far include several restaurants: Atlanta Bread Co., Park Heights, Harvey's and the Grill at Fairpark.

Matt Sheffield, general manager at Atlanta Bread Co., said his eatery wants to do its part to reduce global warming. Ditto for the other three restaurants, all owned by the Eat With Us Group. They are going to have candlelight dinners during the hour.

"Anything that's going to help the earth and preserve energy we want to be a part of," said Arma Salazar, Eat With Us Group marketing director. "But having an event like this endorsed by the mayor and having the entire city participate in, we want to support that."

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