The foundation's Taipei office decided to hold the activity to promote efforts to counter global warming through energy conservation and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

More than 500 businesses in the eastern part of the city took part in the activity by turning off their neon store signs for ten minutes at 8:00 p.m.

Tzu Chi staff also joined the effort by cleaning up streets, promoting measures to reduce carbon emissions, and collecting recyclables in the vicinity of the foundation's Taipei office.

Tzu Chi members will also observe Earth Day on April 22 by not using any electricity in their homes for one hour in the evening and urging others to do the same to help save the planet.