The City of Madison will turn the light switch off for an hour this weekend to participate in Lights Out America,"" part of a worldwide event to conserve electricity.
Ald. Tim Gruber, District 11, proposed the event as a resolution to the City Council after constituent Inga Berg suggested it. The council passed the resolution earlier this month, which encourages Madison residents to turn off their lights from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday.
According to a City Council statement, Madison will assume a leadership position and shut off non-essential lights in all city buildings during the event.
""I think the fact that it was first of all a chance for us as a city to do something both in terms of self-conserving not just everyday but also raising awareness,"" Gruber said.
""It's kind of a reminder for all of us how we each can do a little bit and make a big difference.""
Jeff Rolling, chair of the Wisconsin Public Interest Research Group, said members of the organization are enthusiastic about partaking in the event.
""I think it's a really great thing,"" Rolling said. ""There's always the simple things, [and] turning your lights off is obviously probably one of the easiest things to do to conserve energy.""
In addition to ""Lights Out America,"" Rolling suggested a number of ways for students to conserve energy throughout the year, particularly buying items locally and utilizing public transportation or walking.
""We're pretty lucky here in Madison to have a pretty big transportation system to use so we don't have to drive anywhere.""
In March 2007, the World Wildlife Fund created the Earth Hour in Sydney, Australia. According to the Earth Hour Web site, nearly 200 cities across the world will participate this year.
