Introducing to you one of our favourite friends the Carbon Coach. Dave Hampton lives by inspiring people along their low carbon journeys, from keen individuals to large businesses. He is the authority on carbon. He’s also playing a vital role as a Marlow resident in our 100 solar project. 

Here’s what Earth Hour means to him:

The words ‘Earth Hour’ summon up positive emotions for me; an association with something sumptuous, significant, sensuous, almost sacred. Cool people, enjoying cuddles, candles, celebration, caring.  It is delicious and de-light-full to turn off the lights, the power, the heat, and simply say NO to fossil fuels, together, all over the world, as one, for a full hour. What deeper connection to Mother Earth, to our fellow humans, and to our higher selves could we dream of? What glorious empowerment.

On the other hand, do I really have to bother with this righteous stuff again? What if the kids need a taxi that hour? What if they demand to watch junk TV? What if they are too old now to be silent and still in awe and wonder? What if they don’t care to join in? Or worse: what if the child in me doesn’t want to either?

What if the whole world cleaned up all the carbon in their own back yards? Last week I installed PV solar panels to my home. Free, clean energy from the sun. Heaven. I am coming off my addiction to dirty power. 

Earlier this week was the funeral of my father in law, a lovely man. He will be in my thoughts during Earth Hour, and many hours. He loved his grandchildren deeply. For 50 years I’ve feared death and darkness: species extinction, climate crisis, dying planet, death of humanity. But when better than Earth Hour to contemplate all the zillions of small, fresh beginnings sprouting up around us? Solar energy, a breath of fresh wind, new carbon consciousness, and awareness of that unique life opportunity - to light candles not curse darkness - and be humans that care, together.

Now that’s an Earth Hour 2010 to celebrate!

So what does Earth Hour mean to you? Please send us your ideas – email press@goodenergy.co.uk and we’ll publish the best ones here.

Find out more about the Carbon Coach.