CHICAGO, IL - March 30, 2012 - Tomorrow, Saturday, March 31, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. CST, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) will participate in the worldwide Earth Hour event by turning off non-essential lighting in the terminals, airport facilities and office buildings at O'Hare and Midway International Airports.

Earth Hour is a global event that encourages individuals, businesses and governments to show their support towards protecting the planet by shutting off lights for one designated hour.

Aside from a bit of mood lighting for airport travelers and employees, both airports will operate normally during the 60-minute period.

The CDA encourages its airport partners, employees and valued travelers to join tomorrow's Earth Hour movement. To learn more about what you can do to participate in Saturday's event visit www.earthhour.org.

Chicago's airports' participation in Earth Hour is just one of many ways the CDA is helping to promote sustainability efforts and encourage environmentally friendly practices as it celebrates "Earth Month" this April. The CDA recently installed flower and garden show exhibits in the terminals at both airports in partnership with several nonprofit environmental organizations to launch Earth Month.

Last year's Earth Hour event was observed in 5251 cities in 135 countries, including Chicago and at its airports.