Earth Hour Shenzhen 2008! REPORT

By James Baquet

Wow! We had such a great time Saturday night.

No matter what the newspaper says, there were actually over 60 people gathered in Lianhuashan Park the evening of Saturday, March 29, to celebrate Earth Hour Shenzhen 2008. By rough count, people from at least 9 countries were present; the youngest was a year old, and the oldest 72.

We gathered slowly; the Shenzhen Daily photographer was there before most people arrived, so we had to "stage" a picture of me talking to the "crowd." (See the article link above.)

We ate and fooled around a while, then started playing some cooperation games. In the first, people in a circle reached in and grabbed a random hand. Then they had to untangle into one big circle (see pic). In the second game, we placed a small towel on the ground and the players had to fit as many people as possible onto it. (This involved hugging.) They managed to get 8 on a tea towel! Finally, three girls stood on the same tea towel and had to turn it over -- without leaving it. It was funny to see them move the towel with their stockinged toes!

Dave Seymour belts a tune

Next, our buddy Dave Seymour, a local troubadour, regaled us with an "unplugged" concert. Then came the speakers. Al from Freecycle Shenzhen spoke passionately about keeping good stuff out of the dump. Next a surprise guest, Philip McMaster, spoke on the Power of Three. Finally, Harry Walker, 2005 winner of the first-ever Shenzhen Residents' Environmental Protection Award, stirred the troops with a few words about environment and safety in Shenzhen.

Al from Freecycle Shenzhen

Philip McMaster, "Professor Planet"

After the "formal" program, we opened the discussion up for others. A leading contributor was our old friend Alec Forsythe. We were also treated to a few words from the estimable Mr. Dam and lovely Lila, as well as some blather from yours truly.

Mr. Harry Walker stirs the troops

Without a flash, it was really dark!

There was only one glitch: It was 8:10 before we remembered to switch off our phones! So I guess what we had was actually "Earth 50 Minutes Shenzhen 2008"! Anyway, our intentions were good.

We got great coverage, in both the Chinese press (page 1!) and the Shenzhen Daily (a full page on Earth Hour!)

Here's looking forward to Earth Hour Shenzhen 2009!