Question of the day: Do you know which 2 states don't observe Daylight Saving?
Answer: Arizona and Hawaii!
As we get ready to "fall back," let's dive into the quirky history of Daylight Saving Time (DST), some fun facts, and why its days might be numbered.
Mark Your Big A## Calendar!
First things first, here’s your 2025 reminder: Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 AM. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, November 1st!
So, Why Was Daylight Saving Time Started?
The idea is most famously credited to Benjamin Franklin. In a 1784 satirical essay, he suggested that Parisians could save money on candles by waking up earlier to use morning sunlight. However, he was more joking than proposing actual policy.
The real modern champion of DST was a British builder named William Willett. In 1907, he passionately argued that people were wasting precious daylight hours by sleeping in. He proposed moving clocks forward in the spring to provide more daylight for evening activities.
But why was it officially adopted? The catalyst was World War I. Germany was the first to implement DST in 1916 to conserve coal and fuel for the war effort. The idea was simple: shift clocks to reduce the need for artificial lighting in the evenings. The United States followed suit in 1918.
Fun Facts & Key Dates to Know
It’s “Saving,” Not “Savings”: The correct term is Daylight Saving Time, not "Savings."
Not a Federal Law in the U.S. Until 1966: The Uniform Time Act of 1966 finally standardized the start and end dates across the states that observed it, ending the widespread confusion.
Arizona and Hawaii Opt-Out: These two states (mostly) ignore DST and stay on Standard Time year-round.
The "Energy Crisis" Extension: In 1974, the U.S. even tried year-round Daylight Saving Time to save energy during the oil crisis, but it was scrapped after public dislike of dark winter mornings.
Why Daylight Saving Time May Not Last Much Longer
The original reasons for DST are becoming less relevant in our modern world. Studies on energy savings are mixed, and many argue the cons now outweigh the pros. Health impacts, economic costs, public safety and opinion...
This has led to a powerful movement to "Lock the Clock." The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the Sunshine Protection Act in 2022 to make DST permanent year-round, though it has stalled in the House. The debate continues, with strong opinions on both sides.
So, the next time someone asks you "why does daylight saving time exist?" you can tell them it was a wartime energy-saving measure that overstayed its welcome.
Want to never miss a time change or important date again? Get The Big A## Calendar and stay ahead of the clock!
