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<\/a>\u201cThis is a very important worldwide event because it helps spread mass awareness about the importance of mitigating\u00a0climate change through the reduction of energy consumption, and allows people to feel connected to a movement larger than their individual actions,\u201d said Abigail Harman<\/strong>, conservation manager in the Office of Sustainability<\/a>. \u201cIt sheds light on the impact of people’s consumption and encourages them to take a step back, enjoy the beauty of nature and rethink how they consume.\u201d<\/p>\n With the intention of encouraging individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take accountability for their\u00a0ecological footprint, participation in Earth Hour symbolizes a commitment to change beyond the hour. According to Harman, it\u2019s important to be thinking about energy consumption year-round.<\/p>\n [block-quote align=”center”]Participating in Earth Hour is a great step in the right direction. But after the hour is over, that doesn\u2019t mean you should stop being mindful of energy use.[\/block-quote]<\/p>\n To keep the conversation going and help mitigate some of the negative effects humans have on the planet, Northern Arizona University has an array of programs that demonstrate the university\u2019s commitment to being environmentally conscious\u2014the Energy Mentor program<\/a> is one of them.<\/p>\n \u201cWe teach faculty and\u00a0staff about the three pillars of sustainability\u2014environmental, social and economic\u2014and the importance of using them as a framework or lens\u00a0when looking at consumption; the principles of energy and waste reduction including Flip the Switch, Reduce the Juice and Axe the Trash; and how they can become involved in the broad culture of sustainability of NAU’s campus.\u201d<\/p>\n Other programs and departments at NAU that promote conservation include: the Office of Sustainability and its conservation programs,\u00a0which educate students, faculty and staff about climate change, sustainability, energy conservation and more; the\u00a0Green Fund,\u00a0which implements student sustainability projects using the money generated from the Green Fee; the\u00a0Environmental Caucus,\u00a0which actively works on engaging all members of NAU’s campus through various action teams that work toward making NAU carbon neutral; and more.<\/p>\n \u201cSince partaking in the Energy Mentor program, I\u2019ve become a lot more aware of how I use energy,\u201d said Carly Banks<\/strong>, media relations officer. \u201cNow, I turn off my power strips when devices aren\u2019t in use and make a point of turning off the lights every time I leave a room. I look forward to celebrating Earth Hour with people throughout the world by lighting some candles, unplugging (literally and physically) and enjoying our dark sky.\u201d<\/p>\n ASNAU is hosting an Earth Hour celebration<\/a> from 8-10 p.m. March 30 in the Central Quad, where students will enjoy fire dancers, long exposure photography and other electricity-free activities.<\/p>\n<\/a>