Thank you world

It is strange but true - the darkness experienced during the recent Earth Hour in the UAE could add to the light in our future ("City of Lights turns into City of Darkness", March 29, Gulf News). It's like saying thank you to the world we live in. Even though I didn't see too many lights turning off in Sharjah at the given time, I am glad I took the initiative.
From Mr Shakeel Ali
Sharjah

Spreading awareness

I actively participated in the Earth Hour though it was a bit difficult to decide how to do it initially. I had planned to create awareness among all the residents of our building so that they, too, could contribute in helping save the environment. Three days before the event, I drafted a letter for all residents and pasted copies of the message at the entrance of the building and in the lifts for everyone to read. I explained the significance of the hour to the building's watchman as well. I think it helped, as during the Earth Hour, 99 per cent of the residents had switched off their apartment lights.
From Mr Girish Shejale
UAE

What happened?

I was very hopeful that Dubai would observe the Earth Hour. However, I think we were the only ones in our building who observed it. We were disappointed to find that streetlights were on. Additionally, it would have been great if radio jockeys had asked callers what they planned to do during the aforesaid hour!
From Ms Udaya Sathyamoorthy
Dubai

Small steps

My family and I did switch off everything for one hour but were disappointed that most people from the area we live in did not take part. It's as if they could hardly be bothered. I guess people should realise that such negligence would lead to a polluted environment. It's the small steps that need to be taken for a better world to live in.
From Ms Manitha Nayak
Dubai

No view

Absolutely nothing happened in the area I live in. I had made an effort and held a party on my rooftop whereby people could view the dimming lights. We saw none.
From Mr Jeymer Hareo
Dubai

What next?

There is a lot more that can be done without much effort. Landmark buildings and places can use alternate energy sources for some of their exterior lighting by making these mandatory in all new residential and commercial complexes. Builders can easily pass on to their customers the negligible extra cost per unit of space. Streetlights on remote highways with very little traffic can be actuated with motion detecting switches so that the lights get automatically switched on only when a vehicle approaches the area.
From Mr Edgar Morris
Kerala, India

Hall of shame

I was touring Dubai, to see how many had actually turned off their lights. I suggest Gulf News carry out a section titled "hall of shame" that could highlight pictures of buildings that neglected the Earth Hour and did not bother about the environment.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Why wait?

I understand the fantastic reduction in power consumption when many of us participated in the Earth Hour. When we are aware that less power is consumed due to the sacrifice of one hour, why should we wait to repeat this action for one year? I would recommend that we switch off unnecessary lights at least for one hour, once every week, or at least once every month.
From Ms Padma Sudhakar
Dubai

Editor's note:

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Moral responsibility

This is in response to the letter by Mr Igho E. ("Warning to parent", Gulf News, March 31). How can he say that neglected manholes and drainage pits serve as a warning? A child or even an adult could have fallen into it even in broad daylight. It is the responsibility of those who open it or make the pit to either close it again or have a protective fence surrounding it. Unfortunately, the workers involved are usually careless and tend to neglect such things. Such people should be ashamed as they shed their moral and social responsibility towards other residents.
From Ms Neaimi
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request

Better future

I think Gulf News' campaign against plastic bags is unique. In all of my five years residing in Dubai, I have not seen any other awareness initiative - especially on plastic. I hope that after reading this article, people will be more conscious about not using plastic bags, as it is harmful for our environment. I personally feel that supermarkets and grocery stores should minimise their use of plastic bags and start using paper bags that can be recycled. Another alternative is the use of "bazaar bags", which are a common sight in India. The stores can sell it for 50 fils or Dh1 and donate the money to a cause so that people do not feel cheated. I am an animal lover and to see reports on how our carelessness is killing camels is very sad. It is sadder to know that as humans, we have no sympathy towards what is happening in the world, events that are destroying the planet right before our eyes. Global warming, poaching of wild life and endangered species, ongoing wars - the list is never ending. At the moment, I can only hope for a better future.
From Ms Claudelle Landers
Dubai