Fast from Carbon this Lent
Instead of fasting from chocolote and alcohol this Lent, Tearfund invites you to fast from carbon .
The Carbon Fast is a 40-day journey through Lent towards a lighter carbon footprint, with simple energy-saving actions each day. The average emissions saving from doing the whole Fast is approximately 1.400kg CO2e per household. That's equivalent to one return flight to New York, with enough emissions 'left over’ for 70 cheeseburgers.
Actions include having a meat-free Monday, a technology-free day and shrinking your consumer appetite, by thinking about whether you need it - or want it! An action that’s pertinent during tough economic times.
The Bishop of Liverpool Rt Rev James Jones, who first had the idea for the fast, said:
"Every year more people and churches choose to fast from carbon in Lent. This year, we are encouraging people to share some of the daily actions with others as well as doing them at home. Reducing our carbon emissions is a matter of climate justice, as our poorest neighbours in Africa, Asia, South America and other parts of the world are hardest hit by a changing climate."
This year Rev Ron Elsdon, Rector of St Bartholomew's Church, Belfast, has written one of 6 Carbon Fast reflections for churches to use during Lent. 'My reflection is designed to enable Christians to think through how we can all live more simply and contentedly as part of our worship says Ron.
Carbon Fast actions include:
12 March - Take a shorter shower to decrease the amount of water heated
19 March - Make your own environmentally-friendly cleaning products. Lemon, baking soda and vinegar are a powerful cleaning team.
11 April – Cherish the old. Search charity shops for clothes and homeware items to 'upcycle' so you don’t buy new.
15 April – Grow vegetables, herbs and fruit in your garden. If you don’t have one, use pots on a windowsill or in a sunny spot indoors.
To find out more about the Carbon Fast click here.