As an intern for Earth Hour Los Angeles, Rainmaker Network member Nicole Lowry has learned about many different ways to help negate climate change and be more environmentally aware.

Written by Nicole Lowry

In partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, Earth Hour is asks individuals, businesses, governments and organizations worldwide to make a commitment to the environment by turning off unessential lights for one hour Saturday night at 8:30 PM local time.

By participating in Earth Hour you demonstrate a commitment to fighting climate change and global warming.

Participating in Earth Hour doesn’t mean you have to sit in the dark. Here are some suggestions to make Earth Hour an event worth planning for, year after year:
• Surprise that special someone and have a candlelit dinner for Earth Hour.
• Get some fresh air and go for a walk during Earth Hour. (Just make sure you turn off your lights before you go out).
• Won’t be home for Earth Hour to turn off your lights? Turn off your lights before you leave home that morning, and don’t forget to sign the petition online at http://www.earthhourus.org/apisignup/signup.php.

If you are local to Los Angeles and want take part in the movement, sign the petition, turn off your lights, and come down to the Nokia Plaza. This seminal event starts at 6:00 PM PST.

If you are not local to Los Angeles, you’re in luck! 2,500 cities in 82 countries are participating this year. Find an Earth Hour event nearest you by visiting http://www.earthhourus.org/map.php.

Find out more about Nicole's work for Earth Hour LA by visiting @earthhourla.

Event Details
Earth Hour LA
Nokia Plaza at LA Live
777 Chick Hearn Court
Los Angles, CA 90015
6:00-9:30pm
Free

With the economy we are faced with today, it is hard to avoid the continual dismal talk of the unemployment rate. As a graduating senior, I have heard over and over again that it is the worst year to be graduating. Unfortunately (and this may come as a surprise to some) the news has become a little repetitive, and I guarantee that others feel the same way as I do. People are not in the mindset of thinking positively. While the glass may be half empty, it is still half way full. What I mean by this is that over 90 % of the population still have their jobs.

After thinking about this idea, I started doing research on job markets that are still looking for employees. While this is good news for some, it’s not going to fill everyone’s needs. Here are the stats, decide for yourself:

Top 5 Cities Where They are Hiring (Forbes.com):
1. Madison, WI
2. Washington, D.C.
3. Boston, MA
4. Richmond, VA
5. Milwaukee, WI

Top 5 Companies for Job Growth (Fortune Magazine):
1. Stanley (65%)
2. Rackspace Hosting (59%)
3. Google (40%)
4. Zappos.com (39%)
5. QuickTrip (33%)

Top 10 Jobs for Today’s Grads (Forbes.com)
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analyst
• Sales Agent, Financial Services
• Sales Agent, Securities and Commodities
• Market Research Analyst
• Public Relations Specialist
• Cost Estimator
• Educational, Vocational, and School Counselor
• Actuary
• Paralegal and Legal Assistant
• Computer Support Specialist


And if this doesn’t pick up your mood, follow this link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29306449/ … It was refreshing to know that there are others thinking optimistically as well!

As March is coming to an end, we all can look forward to the month of April. Why you ask? Well because of Earth Day of course!! And now, more than ever, is the time to be proactive and take the necessary steps for creating a sustainable future.

Launching this year is “The Green Generation” Campaign. As we all know, we are facing an energy crisis that can only be contained and subdued through initiative from ordinary citizens engaging in activities that improve their surroundings. While many people are stuck in their old ways, it is going to take younger generations with fresh minds to make positive changes for the future.

Although it is sometimes hard to find inspiration to become active and motivated within your community, let Earth Day 2009 be your guide. Visit http://www.earthday.net/ to find out information about ongoing projects and how you can take part. Even reading though the website will be to your benefit. There are many informational and inspiring articles that could change how you go about your day to day activities.

One month to go… Why waste time, GET INVOLVED and better your community!!

Lauren Miller, our Web 2.0 Marketing & PR Associate, addresses the looming challenges of spring cleaning for college students.

As spring rolls around, so do graduation and the dreaded thought of moving to a new apartment again (for the fourth time in 4 years), or back into your parents house… maybe it would be a good idea to find a job (yikes!).

So with moving, comes cleaning. Another dreaded task most people seem to avoid during their college years, until the dirt and dishes pile up and something is finally done to stop the invasion of filth. But with graduation creeping up slowly, it might be a good idea to get a head start on the spring cleaning and preparing for moving out and moving on!

Let me put another spin on things now… Rather than putting everything in a dumpster, to later be taken to the dump, let me insight you with a few green solutions for getting rid of this so called “trash.”

• Plan ahead … Give yourself enough time so that you know how much stuff you will be keeping and getting rid of.
• Ask around: Talk to neighbors, family, friends, and acquaintances. See if any of them are in need of anything you are getting rid of. The more you give away, the less you have to transport around. Less time in the car equals less pollution in the sky!
• Check your local listings, see if anyone around you is in need of the “trash” you no longer need. I do believe there is a famous quote that states: “One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”
• Create a separate area dedicated to things you know can be recycled. If your goods are made from recyclable materials, please do not put them in the trash pile.

Although most people are tired of the dish build up and clogged drains, If nothing has been done before you move out in the spring, you better hope that your landlord knows some good cleaners!

Lauren (@lkmiller1014) can be found searching for fish tacos on the California coast.