If you are struggling to figure out what to give up for Lent this year or even just looking to better yourself… Look no farther. I have compiled a list of 5 Eco-friendly practices you can easily implement in your daily life to practice good Stewardship of God’s wondrous creation. Continue reading to learn how you can live more sustainably this Lenten Season.
1. Cut Out Single Use Plastics. As much as possible.
Plastic accumulating in our oceans and on our beaches has become a global crisis. Single use plastics are the #1 cause of water pollution and have devastating effects on marine life within our costal and oceanic ecosystems.
Some ideas…
Say NO to plastic straws this Lenten season or plan only on using reusable canvas bags on all your shopping ventures, not just grocery shopping.
2. Reduce your Personal Water Waste.
Some ideas…
Only use a reusable water bottle or commit to cutting your average shower time down by 3-5 minutes.
3. Eat Less Meat.
Believe it or not, cutting back on your consumption of meat can make a huge difference in the environment. More than 30 percent of the Earth’s surface is being used to raise and support livestock contributing to rapid land depletion and CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
If cutting meat out of your diet entirely seems like an unobtainable goal for you, tweak it a bit . . . commit to cutting out only red meats or try eating vegetarian at least twice a week.
4. Create Means of Composting and Recycling within Your Home.
Recycling and Composting are two great ways to reduce the amount of waste you are sending to the landfills. Additionally, composting works as a non-chemical natural fertilizer for your garden as well!
You can find info here on how to get your personal compost bin started.
5. Be a More Mindful Consumer.
Some ideas…
Sell/Buy used products as much as possible from local thrift stores, consignment stores, garage sales, and mobile sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Thredup.
OR
Change your consumer mindset, Strive for minimalism, & Commit to only making necessary purchases for the entirety of Lent. Think before you make a purchase…
→ “Do I really need this?”
→ “How did the production of this product impact the environment and what further impacts will there be with the disposal of the product and its packaging?”
By Camille Dedeaux ’22
ENSP Major