As of today 2.712 cities in 83 countries have officially committed to take part in WWF’s Earth Hour and are switching off electricity for one hour this coming Saturday. A quick search on Facebook gives some 500+ hits and the largest group have close to 500.000 members signed up. Even the great pyramids in Egypt are participating by cutting the electricity.   

This world wide campaign has gained a lot of attention and is for a non-profit cause. But as with all great movements - the commercial powers are lurking in the back ground, trying to find ways on how to capitalise their brand, products or services by riding the tail of the “storm”.

In Norway, IKEA is working together with the largest social media community, VG Nettby, and will “cut the power” in the virtual city for one hour. 

Nokia has been a brand that has gone down the green path for a long time and they have recently launched a web site called Planet Unplug, which encourages people to take part in Earth Hour. If you are Twitterin’ - check it out here.

Coke in Britain has announced that its world-famous Coca Cola sign at Piccadilly Circus will be switched off during one hour on Saturday. This will be only the third time since the Second World War that the sign will be switched off.

In Sweden, the diary brand Arla, will show its participating in Earth Hour in a different way. Starting from a week ago, Arla has produced and sold a special designed milk cartoon - completely black with a switch on the front and a message reminding people of Earth Hour. This is the first time ever that the original green and white design has taken another form.

Being very commercial ourselves, we have nothing to say about these activities other than - WWFs Earth Hour event starts at 8.30pm on this Saturday, please join in.