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Enigin News -'M'illumino di meno' - I'm using less light

Enigin News -'M'illumino di meno' - I'm using less light

Being Friday we thought we would bring you some “lighter” news.

Today is 'M'illumino di meno' in Italy.

The term translates as "I'm Using Less Light" and is an initiative started in 2005 by a radio programme in Rome called Caterpillar and is designed to focus attention on energy saving/wastage.

During this truly Italian annual awareness-raising day, individuals and organisations are asked to make a symbolic gesture of support by switching off lights and all other non-vital electrical devices between 6 and 7.30pm. This year, the campaign also encourages switching on lights from renewable sources.

The highlight of the day will be an event in Rome's Trajan's Markets, but this will be a major celebration with lights!

A small panel attached to a solar battery will light up LEDs, a mini-turbine will power an energy saving lamp while a pedal generator will provide energy to a spotlight.

The highlight of the event is a huge sphere, perhaps the biggest bulb lit by renewable energy, that will shine in the skies above Rome, thanks to the energy of fifty heroic cyclists involved in a collective ride.

The European Parliament, will all take part in the Italian-based awareness-raising campaign with staff encouraged to participate by turning off all non-essential lighting and electronic equipment in the buildings in Brussels, Luxembourg and Strasbourg between 6 and 7.30pm.

'M'illumino di meno' is good news as it encourages us all to think about energy efficiency and how we can improve environmentally and financially through being responsible for the electricity we use and manage.

Friday 12th February 2010