Struggle to keep the flame burning for Earth Hour
The Age
THERE was a buzz around Roy Merrington's beeswax candles this time last year. As millions of Melburnians prepared to switch off lights for Earth Hour, close to 10,000 candles were ordered from his Caulfield business.
A year on, the rush for wax seems to have waned.
"I would like to think we would do the same (trade), but we will probably do half that," he told The Age this week.
"People's attention is elsewhere … the conversation about the health of the planet is on the back burner, because people are paranoid about money — and quite rightly."
Perched on the edge of Melbourne's Treasury Gardens, Verge restaurant was one of many businesses that used Mr Merrington's candles to mark Earth Hour last year.
Owner Simon Denton said plans for this year's Earth Hour were still uncertain two weeks before the event. "I only realised the other day that it was coming around again, so we haven't really finalised it. But we will certainly be involved," he said.
When asked if he felt the event's profile was lower this year, Mr Denton said: "What profile?"
If Earth Hour appears to have crept up on Melbourne this year, preparations are more advanced elsewhere, with the number of participating countries rising from 35 to 80, and the number of towns from about 370 to just under 1400.
"Beyond Australia's big cities, it seems to be talked about a lot more. We have a lot more interest from towns and rural areas," said Andy Ridley, Earth Hour's global executive director.
"Some of the recent weather conditions — like the floods in Queensland, for example — have brought the idea of climate change home more to people."
But sceptics are wondering whether the inner-city "latte-sippers" have become bored with Earth Hour. Mr Ridley said: "It's the third year for Sydney, so what is Sydney going to do this year? … I don't know."
In Melbourne, the event will face strong competition for attention. The AFL will launch its opening round that weekend, pitting Ben Cousins against Chris Judd for the first time, then staging the grand final replay between Hawthorn and Geelong. And the formula one grand prix will take over Albert Park between March 26 and 29.
But Mr Ridley said such events did not have to be rivals — they could be great opportunities to introduce Earth Hour to new audiences.
"The whole ethos of Earth Hour was more street party than street protest, so people are going to go and watch the footy or a concert, and there's no way Earth Hour is going to stop that," he said.
Grand prix organisers and the AFL said they supported Earth Hour and planned to participate, but were unable to say how. And managers of Etihad Stadium at Docklands were unable to say whether they would turn down any lights during the St Kilda-Sydney match.
Mr Ridley is not bothered by such details, saying Earth Hour's value has always been symbolic.
"Earth Hour is absolutely symbolic … symbolism is an important stage of dealing with a major problem, so I don't think we are ashamed to say that in any way," he said.
Australian Industry Group spokesman Tim Piper agreed, describing the event as a "useful tool" for changing habits.
"Obviously, it's not going to change the world, but you need to provide an example," he said.
Mr Merrington remains unconvinced he will shift as many candles as last year.
"I can't see the demand there at the moment but it could turn around in the last week and really go off," he said. He will be hoping the lights do the same.
The Age is an official sponsor of Earth Hour.
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