Ever heard of Earth Hour? It’s a global movement that started in Australia 15 years ago, encouraging folks to turn off their lights for one hour to help the environment. Think of it as a global moment of silence for mother nature.
If that sounds like a challenge — especially if you have kids — Earth Hour shares seven ways to participate, and we’ve rounded up four additional, free local events to get your sustainability on this weekend.
- Behind the Scenes Look at Boyd Island | Sat., March 26 | 6:30 + 7:30 p.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free, but registration is required. | City of Columbia is hosting this event for those who want to celebrate nature during their hour of outage.
- Spring Cleaning Closet Sale | Fri., March 25-Sat., March 26 | 5-8 p.m. + 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | femme x COLUMBIA | Donate your old clothing + shop for new, gently-loved pieces.
- Herb Festival | Sat., March 26 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Lexington County Museum | Free | Over 100 types of herbs + plants are available for purchase.
- Midlands Spring Native Plant Sale | Fri., March 25-Sat., March 26 | 3 p.m.-6 p.m. on Fri. + 9-4 p.m. on Sat. | Robert Mills House and Gardens | Free | Buy native plants growing in the Midlands.
Before the big hand on the clock reaches 60, mark your calendars for these events:
- Climate Ready Columbia | April 1-2 | 1-6:30 p.m. on Fri. + 8-11:45 a.m. on Sat. | UofSC School of Law | Free | The conference will gather local sustainability experts, climate scientists, and policy activists to discuss, educate + offer local solutions to climate change.
- Festival of Gardens | April 2-3 | 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sat. + 12:30-4 p.m. on Sun. | Meet at the Anne Frank Center of UofSC,1731 College St. | $30+ | Explore seven of University Hill’s finest gardens including the UofSC President’s Garden, Finlay Gardens + the new Boyd Horticultural Center-Greenhouse at Hampton-Preston Mansion.
- Sustainable Yard Tour | April 3 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | To receive the official tour map and locations, you must register. | Free | Find inspiration, ask questions, and connect with resources at 11 yards around Cola that execute sustainable practices you can adopt at home. This event is affiliated with Climate Ready Columbia’s conference + Columbia Green.
Want to see more ways Columbia is taking positive environmental action? Take a look at the City Climate Protection Action Plan — its next meeting is coming up on Tues., May 3.