COLUMBIA, MO (March 18, 2011) -

Citizens are encouraged to turn off lights and non-essential electricity in homes and buildings to take part in a symbolic “wave of darkness” Saturday, March 26, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. This year’s Earth Hour is the fourth annual, international, voluntary darkening.

Earth Hour kickoff will begin with a tour of City Hall's sustainable construction materials Tuesday, March 22, at 9 a.m. This will be followed by a 10 a.m. presentation of the mayor's Earth Hour proclamation by councilwoman Barbara Hoppe to the Columbia Climate Change Coalition and reading of announcements.

Other events taking place March 26 around Columbia include the University of Missouri turning off the lights on Jesse Hall, the city turning off exterior lights at City Hall and smaller events around town. The week has also been deemed “alternate transportation challenge” week.

Columbians are encouraged to let the Office of Sustainability know what they are doing to celebrate Earth Hour by e-mailing Sustainability Manager Barbara Buffaloe at BaBuffal@GoColumbiaMo.com. For more information about this global event, visit www.earthhour.org. For more information about the local event, visit www.columbiaclimatechangecoalition.org.

Columbia's Water & Light estimated that participation in last year's Earth Hour resulted in a reduction of 1.78 megawatts (equivalent of 70 homes).