Earth Hour is an annual movement that invites communities around the world to switch off lights and unplug energy guzzlers to raise awareness about climate change. It is a simple, powerful ritual that turns a quiet hour into a loud message about responsibility and care. The idea gained momentum with a young Canadian voice, Hannah Alper, known to her readers as callmehannah. She expanded the concept into a practical pledge called STOP, START AND CONTINUE, designed to help families translate reflection into action. By framing choices as things to stop, start, and continue, the pledge gives households a clear, doable path toward greener living. The aim is not just to observe a moment but to spark ongoing conversations about energy use, waste, and everyday habits that add up over time. This approach has resonated with parents, teachers, and kids who want to see real, lasting benefits in their communities. The pledge invites participants to think creatively about how small shifts at home can contribute to a healthier climate.
Earth Hour occurs on a late March evening, typically from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. local time, and is celebrated by families and organizations across North America. Hannah believes children are natural advocates for the environment when given practical tools and a hopeful framework. She sees this pledge as a meaningful extension of Earth Hour that keeps the momentum going beyond the one hour of darkness. The core idea is simple: during Earth Hour, families reflect on what actions they can commit to stopping, starting, and continuing over the next year. This reflection turns a fleeting moment into an ongoing project that can shape household routines, school clubs, and community groups. The message invites kids to partner with parents, siblings, and friends to brainstorm changes they can sustain, celebrate progress, and encourage others to join in. It is a call to action that pairs empathy with practical steps, offering a blueprint for real climate impact.
On Hannah’s blog, there are four different Pledge Certificates, each offering three spaces to fill with Start, Stop, and Continue. The certificates include space for a signature and are designed to be placed in a visible location at home as a constant reminder of the commitments being made to protect the environment. The idea is to turn intent into a tangible artifact that families can reference when they feel inspired or tempted to slip back into old habits. The pledge is presented in a friendly, kid friendly format that encourages participation from younger children as well as older siblings. The pledge framework has been shared widely as a practical tool for building accountability and inspiring conversation around sustainable living. By making the pledge visible, families can track progress, celebrate small wins, and stay focused on long term goals. It is an accessible entry point for households seeking to make eco friendly changes together.
Hannah also provides a practical starter list to spark ideas. Under Stop, she suggests giving up behaviors like littering, using single use plastic bottles, and leaving lights on when not in a room. Under Start and Continue, the guidance includes unplugging electronics when not in use, recycling regularly, and turning off the faucet while brushing teeth. These tips are framed in everyday language so families can adapt them to their own schedules and settings. The list is especially useful for households in Canada and the United States, where climate awareness is rising and schools are looking for straightforward actions to teach students about energy conservation and waste reduction. The pledge emphasizes not just what to avoid, but what to embrace, including consistent recycling, mindful energy use, and intentional water conservation. By focusing on practical changes, the program makes environmental stewardship feel achievable.
This Pledge resonates with anyone who wants to raise awareness and demonstrate enthusiasm for protecting the planet. It invites people to participate without requiring fancy tools or expensive commitments. The framework supports ongoing habit formation, so the energy saved during Earth Hour can translate into weeks, months, and seasons of smarter choices. Families can discuss their goals at the kitchen table, share progress with friends, and model responsible behavior for neighbors and classmates. Schools, community centers, and youth groups can adopt the STOP START CONTINUE approach as a simple project that fosters teamwork and accountability. The campaign encourages curiosity, conversation, and a sense of shared purpose that makes climate action feel personal rather than abstract.
Will readers join the pledge and take part in Earth Hour? The invitation is open to anyone who wants to explore the STOP START CONTINUE method, make a personal commitment, and share results with others. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what they will stop, what they will start, and what they will continue, then put those intentions into practice in their daily routines. Sharing progress in the comments helps build community, offers inspiration, and creates a chorus of voices promoting sustainable living. Through small, steady efforts, families across Canada and the United States can help expand climate awareness beyond a single hour and into a year of meaningful action. The message is clear: a brighter, more sustainable future begins with simple choices made together.