The Asia-Pacific Spa Wellness Coalition (APSWC) has pledged to support Earth Hour, taking place this Saturday March 28, 2009 from 8.30pm. With this announcement, the APSWC invites all spa suppliers, spa and wellness associations, members, business partners and affiliates to take part in the event.
“We wish to build a team of committed people and associations to help implement turning off their non-essential lighting for Earth Hour,” said Andrew Jacka, APSWC’s Association Liaison. “One association’s actions can make an enormous difference.”
According to the Earth Hour website, the event launched in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. The website states:
“In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community… Over 74 countries and territories have [so far] pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009.”
The APSWC suggests some small steps companies and individuals can take, include turning off lights and appliances, holding moonlit yoga events or treatments by candlelight.
“We want the Asia-Pacific Region to turn out more lights than any other area in the world during this historic event,” said Motti Essakow, APSWC Planet Task Force Chair. “Helping to spread the word about Earth Hour to inspire others to participate and take a stand against climate change is consistent with the APSWC mission.”
The APSWC is a regional body which links the national spa associations of the Asia-Pacific nations and was formed to meet the challenges presented by the evolution and growth of the Asia-Pacific spa industry.