Saving energy can help humanity defend itself from an increasingly uncertain future. That's why we at EcocNews feel it's our duty to launch an appeal to the European capitals of culture to give ample space to the theme of energy saving in their programs.

Starting from the week beginning today, February 16th and ending on February 21st.

Here's what it's all about. It really doesn't take long.

Caterpillar is the drive time program on Rai Radio2 since 1997. Presented by Massimo Cirri and Sara Zambotti, it deals with current affairs with lightness and irony. Listeners from all over the world call in live every day. From the beginning, when it was still not very well known, Caterpillar has focused on the issues of protecting the planet and the dangers of climate change, and in 2005 it invented M'illumino di Meno.

The Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles “M'illumino di Meno” was born on February 16, 2005, the day the Kyoto Protocol came into force: on Rai Radio2, Caterpillar asked listeners to turn off non-essential lights as a sign of caring for the environment.

Every year, M'illumino di Meno develops a campaign to reduce waste, optimize resources and promote sustainable lifestyles. On February 16 (but there is time until February 21) the squares and monuments of Italy are turned off, while public administrations, schools and universities, companies, associations and many citizens organize festive events such as zero-impact concerts, collective candlelit dinners, and meetings on energy and sustainability.

As a result of this great civil mobilization, M'illumino di Meno has become law: in 2022, the Italian Parliament established, with the cross-party support of the political forces, the National Day of Energy Saving and Sustainable Lifestyles on February 16th.

M'illumino di Meno is committed to promoting a culture of environmental sustainability and conservation of resources. The greatest result it has achieved over the years has been to clearly communicate the importance of our daily behavior in avoiding waste and reducing pollution. The M'illumino di Meno festival, which is celebrated every 16th of February, is the “pride” of intelligent resource optimization and respect for the Planet.

The fundamental principles of M'Illumino di Meno

Environmental education
Promoting environmental awareness through the sharing of news and stories about sustainability.

Community
Building a dynamic community around a shared repertoire of good environmental practices.

Participation
Encourage action and active participation in the realization of sustainable initiatives.

Participating in M'illumino di Meno is simple and meaningful. Everyone is invited to join in on February 16th (but in this 2025 edition you can join until February 21th, 2025) with a small or large sustainable action: turning off the lights, dining by candlelight, using a bicycle, planting a tree... Everyone can become part of the M'illumino di Meno community by sharing their own story of sustainability.

The Decalogue here. 

Join the initiative here.

Since 2017, M'illumino di Meno has been awarded with the Medal of the President of the Republic. The campaign is sponsored by the Prime Minister's Office, the Senate of the Republic, the Chamber of Deputies and various Ministries. As a sign of their support for M'illumino di Meno, the highest Italian institutions turn off the lights on the facades of their buildings. The Ministry of Culture involves museums, art galleries, archaeological sites and archives. The Ministry of Education and Merit sends a circular to all schools informing them of the initiative and inviting them to participate.

Furthermore, “M'illumino di Meno” boasts the High Patronage of the European Parliament, which participates by symbolically switching off non-essential lights on the facades of its three offices in Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg.

For further information here.