Beijing hotels plan an hour in the dark to honor planet earth

As pollution makes headlines more and more frequently, many hotels are marking their commitment to environmental conservation as they join in commemorating Earth Hour today.

China World Hotel, Beijing is taking the two-wheel approach as they offer bicycles outside the hotel entrance to encourage more environmentally friendly transport.

It will also sell Earth Hour-themed cupcakes throughout the day to raise money for an environmental protection project at the Yanqing Lake Wetland Park, the only wetland reserve for birds in Beijing.

As night falls, it will turn off lights in back-of-the-house areas and dim those in public areas, restaurants and hotel exteriors from 8:30 to 9:30 pm.

"We hope that one hour in the "dark" will inspire guests to take simple steps that create a dramatic effect toward reducing energy consumption," says general manager John Rice. It is the sixth consecutive year the hotel has participated in the campaign.

It will also encourage guests to participate by turning off the lights in their rooms and offer a complimentary Earth Hour green cocktail at the hotel's Aria Bar and the Lobby Lounge.