It’s not everyday that the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and the Empire State Building stand in total darkness. But they did this past Saturday, along with millions of other people and institutions around the world, for Earth Hour—remember our post from last Friday?

And while my own humble EH party didn’t quite reach that level of dramatic effect, it did make me realize that I don’t always need electricity to fuel the fun. {Though I might need to channel Henry Winkler to clap my lights back on.}

For more information on Earth Hour, click here. Planet Green also has an excellent guide to simple energy saving practices.

Concerned about climate change? I’m guessing yes. So why don’t you join me and the millions of other people around the globe who will turn off their lights for an hour this Saturday?

This worldwide event is called Earth Hour, and it’s one way we can show support for a sustainable future through a simple, impactful effort.

Earth Hour takes place tomorrow, March 27, starting at 8:30 p.m. Join Sprout in this call to action and take an hour to contemplate—and celebrate!—planet Earth.

Take the pledge here, and read more.

There’s a point every year when I need to see some green and feel the sun’s warmth on my skin. While flying away to a far-flung beach isn’t an option right now, I get my substitute slice of summer at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at St. Paul’s Como Zoo. Built back in 1915, this beautiful glass-domed horticultural treasure is home to more than 10,000 plants, and has several rooms to soak in the splendor, from the Sunken Garden to the Palm Dome. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and you are in a warm, verdant jungle…in January.

Every year I find a new favorite at the MN State Fair—and this year it’s not deep fried. The Eco Experience—presented by the Fair and the MN Pollution Control Agency—blew my mind. You won’t believe the Eco House, which generates as much energy as it consumes by employing solar heating, a green roof, and LED lighting. Also love that the fair has generally made a big effort to ramp up recycling and composting. {In 2008, the fair diverted 325 tons of recyclable material from the landfill.} One thing I composted on my way out: a big buttery ear of corn.

Sprout is heading on a much needed mini road trip this weekend. Looking forward to seeing the rural sights on my way out of town—like this wind turbine. Isn’t she a beauty? Fun fact: MN has enough installed wind capacity to power 450,000 homes annually (only Texas, Iowa, and Cali rank ahead of us). Go us!