Title: Taiwanese Asked to Turn out the Lights on June 21st Taiwan Church News 2832 5-11 June 2006 Reported by Ku Hao-jan. Written by David Alexander
Taiwan's electricity rates will rise on July 1st. In a move calculated to insert imagination and fun into the adaptation to the diminishment of disposable income, social groups have called on everyone to "turn out the lights" for a couple of hours on June 21st. Families are encouraged to switch off television sets, air conditioners, computers and electric lights and go out of doors to enjoy the beauty of the stars.
A university professor in Japan initiated the movement in 2003. What began with one man and 9 students that year has expanded to a three-day nationwide activity marked in 239 separate locations between 8PM to 10 PM. In some places it has taken on additional meanings having to do with community and world peace.
Mr. Li Wei-wen, executive secretary of Taiwan's Wilderness Protection Association, points out that turning off the lights presents an opportunity to reflect on the role that electric power has come to play in our lives, and on how we have become dependent on it. Reducing the use of electricity, he points out, will cut down on the pollution that comes from its production. His association has managed to get several commercial buildings in Taipei city to sign on to the activity, including Taipei 101, the world's tallest building, which will be dark for the evening.
The association made 9 suggestions for how to spend the time in the dark: Tell stories to the children. Invite friends for a meal. Take a walk in the park. Enjoy the moonlight. Take a hot bath. Light a single candle and write a letter. Observe the stars and design your own constellation, with a story behind it. Do what you would ordinarily do, but without using electricity. Experience the life of the blind, and develop sympathy for them.
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