Note: The post below talks about something a bit “churchy” but can apply to everyone–no matter where you fall on that scale and even if you inclined to want nothing to do with that scale.
So here we are, at the start of Lent–a time of fasting, penance and reflection. Often, Lent is associated with giving up things that you “need”, like chocolate (I’m not one who actually needs chocolate but my offspring crave it like 45 year old women, so I get it). I myself have sacrificed ice cream, soda and gum over the years (and I must say I was delighted to hear about the loophole–if you take out the Sundays between Ash Wednesday and Easter you then have forty days–thanks Stef!). Many forgo meat on Fridays during Lent (if you know an adult who can’t go near a tuna fish sandwich or a fish stick, ask them about lent). More recently, I hear of people focusing on taking up a discipline during this time (looks like I was way ahead of the game when I forced myself to eat tomatoes in sixth grade during Lent) like volunteering, bible study, good deeds, etc. which I must say makes a bit more sense than depriving yourself of chocolate.
No matter what your opinion on Lent, penance, or Christianity is, here is something everyone can do: Go Green. Between now and Easter pick one or more ways to be a bit more earth-friendly. The world around us is a gift and we need to treat it better.
- Turn your thermostat down one degree. You probably won’t notice the difference, but you will use less energy.
- Bring your own bags to the store. You’ll create less waste and they really hold your groceries better.
- If it’s yellow, let it mellow. Flush less and save water, people! Unless your family eats a lot of asparagus it’s not nearly as disgusting as you might think.
- Shop local–using less gas is good for environment and the local economy and it saves you time.
- Use your own bottle for water. Buying bottled water is expensive and all those plastic bottles create tons of waste–your local Tupperware Lady can probably get you a good deal, if needed.
Five easy, easy things to do. Pick one and do it for 40 days (yes, you can use that “loophole”, if needed). The Earth will rejoice.
some days, all you can say is, "uff dah" 