Low Carbon Lent

Lent is a time of prayer, reflection and spiritual discipline. Many people identify something to give up for 40 days. A number of years ago, I did my first “Low Carbon Lent” and challenged friends and family to join me. I worked on being more intentional about my carbon footprint. I did this out of the belief that climate change is a major factor in justice, security, health and economic issues around the world. Loving my neighbor means doing what I can to help reduce the negative consequences of climate change.

This year the need for personal action is greater than ever, so I have decided to do another Low Carbon Lent and ask you to consider joining me.  Follow our Facebook Fan Page too!

The commitments below can serve as examples for your own decisions. Many are very simple.

Every day:

• Avoid beef – one kg of beef has been compared to generating 27 kg of CO2.
• Reduce use of paper consumables. Use mug instead of paper cup, use towel instead of paper towel etc.
• Shorten showers to reduce hot water consumption
• Turn off lights
• Put computer in sleep mode when not in use
• Reduce use of disposable plastics and styrofoam
• Pray for those affected by climate change.  This includes those in regions affected by hurricanes, drought, the elderly and homeless at risk from excessive heat, those with respiratory conditions, climate refugees and citizens of island nations that will be most affected.
• Pray for those who work in coal, petroleum, timber and other industries that contribute to climate change. True solutions must provide new opportunities for these workers seeking to care for their families.

As often as possible:

• Purchase goods in bulk to reduce packaging.
• Refuse plastic bags. Bring a canvas bag or request paper (at least it is biodegradable).
• Purchase locally grown produce (admittedly difficult in winter).
• Limit paper usage. Print only when necessary, use two sides.
• Recycle.
• Compost food scraps (no meat).
• Reduce use of products with palm oil, a major cause of deforestation.
• Appropriately dispose of unused or expired items that can’t be recycled. For example, take old batteries to collection site instead of throwing them away.

At least once:

• Install 5 LED bulbs in our home. Don’t throw fluorescent bulbs in the trash, they have mercury and must be disposed of carefully.
• Check sleep configuration on computer, set to shorter time
• Take a long overdue trip to the scrap metal site , donate proceeds to church or environmental group
• Take styrofoam to local foam recycling center.
• Read a book related to the environment. Here are a few I recommend.