Earth Hour, which became a global event three years ago, not only was aimed at lowering the use of energy at MSU and around the world, but also increasing awareness for energy conservation, said Thomas Dietz, sociology and environmental science and policy professor.

“People seem unaware of how much energy they can save by simple steps,” said Dietz, who also is the assistant vice president for environmental research energy at MSU. “One hopes an event like Earth Hour will encourage people to think about this.”

Dietz said conservation is important because it can save money, cut down on pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are a major cause of global warming. He also said raising the awareness level will let politicians and other decision makers know people are concerned with conservation.

The Hubbard Hall Blackout, which was hosted by the Hubbard Black Caucus and International Students Associatoin, was one of several Earth Hour events held campuswide. Those in attendance received food and glow sticks, watched a short video about Earth Hour and took a group quiz to learn about the importance of energy conservation.

Once the lights were turned off, acts such as the accapella group Ladies First and other performers that didn’t require electricity took the stage.

Alexis Watts, Hubbard Black Caucus president and a pre-law freshman, said the groups hosted the event to teach people how they can help the energy conservation cause.

“A lot of people don’t utilize the energy that we have the right way, and it’s important to protect the Earth so we can have it longer,” she said. “Even if people don’t turn off the lights for this hour, maybe they’ll do it more often when they are leaving for class.”

Kate Wagner, a media arts and technology freshman, did not know the event was going on, but was drawn in by the excitement of the crowd. She said having the opportunity to learn about energy conservation in an alternative format could attract more people to the cause.

“It draws people in,” Wagner said of the party-like learning atmosphere. “If it was a lecture, I would have been like, ‘No, I’m going to keep walking,’ but I heard cheers and music and glow sticks are always fun, so whatever gets attention is good.”

Dietz said the events at MSU, including the Hubbard Blackout, will not save the planet by themselves, but are beneficial to the cause.

“No one thing can completely solve the climate problem,” Dietz said. “But encouraging less waste of energy is one of the best things we can do.”