It was a busy week in the world, particularly in Ontario where we got to see both the Ontario and Federal budgets. Lots of changes coming in the future, some good, some not so good. But I thought I would devote this post to remind everyone that tonight (Saturday, March 31st), at 8:30 PM, it’s Earth Hour! I’m proud to say that outside of Australia (where Earth Hour started), my city, Toronto, was the first one to sign up and get behind Earth Hour. What is Earth Hour? Earth Hour is an opportunity to turn off the lights for one hour, starting at 8:30 PM wherever you are. Whether you’re a business or an individual, turn off the lights and send a message to the world that climate change is real and that sustainable action is possible. Last year, 5200 cities in 135 countries committed to Earth Hour. Some even went further and left them off until the start of the next day. Tonight, I’ll be turning off the lights – will you? As a bonus, you’ll even save some money on your electricity bill. How’s that for environmentalism powering frugality!

On another note, I’m very happy that Earth and Money was featured in two blog carnivals this week:

• The Value of the Public Library was featured on the Yakezie Carnival hosted by Money Reasons.
• Favorite Personal Finance Books was featured on the Financial Carnival for Young Adults hosted by 20′s Finances.

Check out those carnivals for some great reads, or the following links for a look at what I’ve been reading in the blogosphere over the past week.

• Invest It Wisely is celebrating two years of blogging and is giving away some amazing prizes to celebrate, including an iPad 3!
• Sustainable Personal Finance shared something very tragic with us, the loss of his dog Freya. Pets can be so important to us, losing one can be just as tragic as losing a close friend. Our thoughts are with you SPF!
• Frugal Fries talked about how young spenders are broke and how brand loyalty may be going down the drain. Personally, I have to say that I am brand loyal in many cases, but I have thankfully chosen brands that are inexpensive
• I just discovered a blog called Thirty Six Months, and in good time too, as they are giving away an interesting book called Organize Now!
• Another blog I’ve recently started reading is The College Investor, and they hit me close to the heart this week with a post about transitioning to a green household. Some great ideas to be found, many of which I intend to cover in detail on this blog at one point or another.
• 20′s Finances outlines some of the reasons people in their 20′s have problems saving money. I definitely think a lot of it comes down to people chasing a lifestyle they can’t afford.

Happy Weekend Everyone and don’t forget to turn off the lights tonight!

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