Shoppers can help save the planet — and save a few dollars at the tills.

A total of 11 stores have signed up to offer discounts during a day of activities on Saturday to support Earth Hour — a day of activities designed to encourage environmental awareness.

Gordon Johnson, executive director of environmental charity Greenrock, said: “We are truly appreciative of the enthusiastic support we’re receiving from Bermuda’s business community and the Island’s residents as we enter the countdown to Earth Hour.

“There’s a real feeling of community spirit and collaboration building around this event.”

Earth Hour — which includes a symbolic switch off of lights for an hour starting at 8.30pm — is a worldwide drive to promote the sustainable use of energy.

Shoppers will be eligible for discounts at a variety of stores if they have special bags, with fliers listing the savings, donated by Earth Hour lead sponsor BELCO, which will be distributed throughout the day by volunteers from Bermuda’s Emerging Professionals.

BELCO spokeswoman Susan McGrath Smith said: “BELCO has been a member of the Earth Hour Council since its inception and we are pleased to help our community gather for an event that symbolises the importance of using energy efficiently all year round.

“Working together as a community, we have the power to save money and the environment.”

The day’s events begin at noon on Saturday with a Living Green Expo on the upper level of Washington Mall, which runs until 5pm. Companies taking part include Bermuda Executive Services, Butterfield & Vallis, Orange Bay Company, the Department of Energy, Alternative Energy Solutions and Keep Bermuda Beautiful.

A programme of events — including a documentary, children’s activities and featuring Bermuda Broadway star Rebecca Faulkenberry and Reeve Carney, who performed in Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark — are planned for in and around City Hall in Hamilton.

Participants are encouraged to bring decorated jars for a Walk of Flame through the streets of Hamilton during the lights out hour, using tea lights handed out at City Hall. There is a $23 entrance fee for the walk, to cover costs and registration.

Retailers taking part in the discount scheme are AS Cooper & Sons, Bermuda Gas, Brown & Co., Daisy & Mac, Davison’s of Bermuda, Gibbons Company, Hera Boutique, Island Trading, People’s Pharmacy, Pulp & Circumstance and The Bermuda Shop by Carole Holding.

Anyone who wants to take part in the walk can register at www.racedayworld.com and people can register their support for Earth Hour at the event’s Facebook page at http://on.fb.me./PjqQSW.