Daylight Saving Time 2022: Why We Do It?

This coming Saturday night into Sunday morning at 2am, almost all of us will turn our clocks forward for the start of Daylight Saving Time 2022. However, have you ever wondered why we still continue this outdated custom this far into the 21st Century?

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The decision to “Spring Forward” began in 1908 in Thunder Bay, Canada, when someone decided that turning the clocks ahead would conserve energy. The theory was that by changing the time and making it possible for the sun to be out longer during waking hours, not only could the world save electricity but people would stay out longer and spend more time outdoors.

At one time, the practice worked. However, as we fast-forward to modern times, it has become an ancient relic that no longer serves a real purpose.

So, why doesn’t some country or authority cancel Daylight Saving Time 2022 and stop us from having to turn our clocks back and forth every 6 months? The answer is simple: nobody wants to be the first to make the change.

In the US, the Uniform Time Act states that only Congress has the authority to approve a change to daylight saving time. Without Democratic and Republican lawmakers in Washington making the call, it’s up to individual states to decide if they wish to stick to DST or not — and they haven’t all agreed on a change.

Last year, a group of bipartisan senators introduced the Sunshine Protection Act in an effort to end DST permanently. However, the bill has simply not made significant gains or stirred much interest since it was introduced.

In Canada, provinces hold the same power as US states and have the authority to end DST if they choose to do so. However, they have made it clear that unless the US makes the change, they won’t either.

So, unless you live in parts of Indiana, parts of Arizona, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam, or the US Virgin Islands (where DST is not followed), prepare to turn your clocks forward this weekend and observe Daylight Saving Time 2022.  

At least you’ll have an extra hour of sunshine as the summer months approach.

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Daylight Saving Time 2022 begins this weekend.