Earth Hour 2021 Shines A Spotlight On The State Of The Planet
Why turning your lights off for 60 minutes on Saturday night will help fight climate change
This Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m UAE time, Earth Hour will virtually bring together millions of people, businesses, and leaders from around the world to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to address nature loss and climate change.
With evidence pointing towards a close link between nature’s destruction and rising incidences of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19, Earth Hour 2021 will unite people online to speak up for nature. This global event comes ahead of key moments when world leaders will take critical decisions on nature, climate change and sustainable development setting the course of our future.
The occurrence of several catastrophic incidents last year including extreme weather events, devastating wildfires and the COVID-19 outbreak highlighted that preventing nature loss is crucial for safeguarding our future. A global assessment of biodiversity targets showed that the world failed to meet the 2020 deadline for achieving the targets set for preventing nature loss a decade ago, making Earth Hour 2021 a pivotal opportunity for civil society organisations, individuals, businesses and environmentalists to call on world leaders for setting nature on a path to recovery by 2030.
“Healthy, natural ecosystems are the cornerstone of thriving, equitable and sustainable societies. Our current socio-economic models are leading to the devastating destruction of nature which is increasing our vulnerability to pandemics, accelerating climate change, and placing livelihoods at risk,’ says Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International.
‘2021 is a crucial year for humanity. As the world tries to turn the tide and recover from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic and rebuild itself, we need to put nature at the centre of our recovery efforts to future proof our economies and societies. Earth Hour allows us to unite and call for urgent action to reverse nature loss and secure a nature-positive world by 2030.”
Over the years, Earth Hour’s ‘lights-off’ moment saw entire streets, buildings, landmarks, and city skylines go dark – an unmissable sight that drew public attention to nature loss and the climate crisis. This year, the many of the UAE’s major landmarks and businesses will once again support Earth Hour by tuning off their lights for an hour on Saturday night.
In the past decade, Earth Hour has inspired global initiatives for the protection of nature, climate and the environment, helping drive awareness, action and policy change. The movement helped in the creation of a 3.5 million hectares of protected marine area in Argentina; a 2,700-hectare Earth Hour forest in Uganda; secured new legislation for the protection of seas and forests in Russia; pushed for a ban on single-use plastics and Styrofoam products in the Ecuadorian capital, and initiated the planting of 20,000 mangrove seedlings in 13 cities in Indonesia.
This year – amidst the current global circumstances – in addition to switching off our lights, Earth Hour invites us to take part in the first ever ‘Virtual Spotlight ‘ – raising awareness and creating the same unmissable sight online, so that the world sees our planet, the issues we face, and our place within it, in a new light.
The goal is simple: to put the spotlight on our planet and make it the most watched video in the world on March 27, so that as many people as possible hear the Earth Hour message.
Want to be a part of it? It’s easy. On the evening on March 27, Earth Hour will post a must-watch video on all their social media pages – and all you have to do is share it.
Visit www.earthhour.org to find out more about events happening this Earth Hour around the world.
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So you’re thinking about transforming your home into a Zen paradise. That’s great! Do you often find yourself stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed by your current living situation? Do you crave serenity, tranquility, and greater inner peace? Do you spend more time feeling anxious about your clutter than enjoying your living space? Do you dream of a space that feels welcoming, calming, and rejuvenating – all at the same time?
If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, then a Zen home may be for you.
What Is Zen Home in Interior Design?
The word “zen” is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese word “chán”, which in turn is a Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit word “dhyāna”, meaning “meditation”. Zen is a Buddhist concept that places emphasis on the practice of meditation with the goal of achieving a state of inner peace and tranquility.
Zen interior design is all about creating a living space that promotes peace, harmony, and a sense of balance. The goal is to create a relaxed and calm haven from all the hustle and bustle of daily life where you can unwind and recharge. A Zen home is characterized by its emphasis on natural textures, simple lines, neutral colours, and an overall minimalism effect. Furniture is minimal, surfaces are kept clear to achieve order and calm, and natural light is important so windows are often uncovered to allow as much natural sunlight as possible. Decluttering your space and removing distractions, as well as, adding relaxing elements such as candles, diffusers, and other natural materials, you can create an environment that amplifies the Zen factor and also conducive to nurturing concentration and productivity.
Benefits of a Zen Living Space
In addition to creating a peaceful and harmonious living space, there are many benefits to practicing Zen design in our homes. Research has shown that incorporating natural elements into our living spaces can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also improve our overall sense of well-being and help us feel more connected to the natural world.
How to Create a Zen Home
A Zen home is a living space that prioritizes simplicity, natural elements, and tranquility, creating a peaceful and harmonious environment that promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and overall wellness. Today, Zen design has evolved to include a wide range of interior design styles that often incorporate elements of natural materials, organic shapes, and minimalistic design. The idea of a Zen home has become a popular trend in interior design, as it can help promote a sense of calm and relaxation in our daily lives.
Less Is More
A well-edited room is more visually appealing than one that is crammed full of furniture and knick-knacks. One of the key benefits of the Zen design approach is that it can help to make small spaces feel larger and more open. When there are fewer objects on display, each one can be given more attention, and the eye is not drawn to any one particular area. In addition, a minimalist approach can also help to create a sense of order and calm, making it ideal for a Zen home.
Neutral Colour Palette
In a Zen home, one of the most important things to be mindful of is choosing a natural colour palette. Colours are typically muted and neutral, like white, cream, beige and gray, creating a sense of simplicity and tranquility. Avoid bright colours like red and yellow which can be reminiscent of Asian themes but are disruptive to the overall Zen flow. Instead, stick to muted tones that will ensure a serene and relaxing space, and if you do need some colour greens and blues can serve as excellent accent colours. Also, consider incorporating natural textures and materials to keep your space from feeling too sterile.
Natural Elements
The modern Zen design also emphasizes the use of natural elements like wood, stone, greenery, and water, that give your space an organic feel to support relaxation and balance. Incorporating such elements does not have to be expensive or difficult and often a few simple accents can make all the difference. For example, placing small potted plants is an inexpensive way to add some nature into your space. You may try adding a bonsai to keep with the Zen look but other plants would also do the trick. Similarly, a clear bowl filled with different coloured stones and water or a water fountain or similar feature, also creates a natural touch to your decor.
Natural Light
Lighting plays a major role in a Zen home, with natural light preferred, as it helps to create an open and airy feeling. With visually stimulating views, we feel relaxed and optimistic, which can greatly improve our overall well-being. Sunlight has a calming effect on the mind and body, and it can also help to improve mood and focus. In addition, natural light is an essential part of the cycle of nature, and it helps to regulate our bodies’ circadian rhythms. For these reasons, it’s important to make sure that your Zen-inspired interior receives plenty of light.
Streamlined Furniture
In a Zen home, furniture, decor, and household items are chosen for their simplicity and functionality. Furniture that is simple and clean in design are perfect choices. Selecting streamlined furniture made with natural materials such as wood, stone, or bamboo with straight lines and smooth surfaces will add to the Zen factor of your space. This type of furniture creates a feeling of calm and serenity – all qualities perfect for achieving a zen state of mind. By choosing streamlined furniture that is low to the ground, you will help keep the visual flow of your room uninterrupted, enabling you to feel more grounded and very much in tune with the Japanese style of Zen. Handcrafted furnishings made with reclaimed wood or rattan can add warmth. We recommend avoiding heavy, closed-off furniture designs to maintain an open and airy look and feel throughout your home.
When it comes to furniture styles for a Zen home in Dubai, you’ll want to focus on simplicity, functionality, and natural materials. Here are a few furniture styles and design elements to consider:
Accents to Add Zen to Any Home
Diffusers, candles, incense sticks, and sage are all great tools to incorporate into your house to create a more Zen-ful ambiance. Here are some tips on how to use each of these items to create a Zen living environment:
Diffusers
Essential oil diffusers are a great way to create a calming atmosphere in your home. Choose oils such as lavender, chamomile, or bergamot to promote relaxation and calmness. Place the diffuser in a central location in your home, or in a designated relaxation space to promote serenity.
Candles
Candles can help create a soft, warm glow that promotes relaxation. Choose candles with natural scents made from natural bases like beeswax or soy, to avoid overpowering synthetic fragrances from invading your space. Place candles in areas where you would like to create a sense of ambiance, such as a meditation space or near your bathtub.
Incense
Burning incense sticks can help to create a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Choose natural scents, such as sandalwood, or cedarwood, and place incense in an area where airflow is good.
Sage
Burning sage, also known as smudging, is an ancient practice that can be used to clear negative energy from your home. Light a sage bundle and walk the smoke around all the corners of your home, reaching the places where energy tends to get trapped. Remember to open your windows in order to let out the smoke.
The question to really ask yourself is, are you in need of a peaceful and calming living space? Do you often feel stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed in your current home? That’s when you know for sure that a Zen home is just what you need to strive for.
You may even follow your higher sense of self and spot signs such as feeling distracted by technology, constantly playing catch-up with household chores, wishing deep inside for a welcoming and calming home, or feeling overwhelmed or anxious by clutter. These are clear signs pointing you toward the need to create a Zen home for yourself. The results are well worth the effort and the process can be healing too.
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