A Different Kind of Fast for Lent - Do It For Climate Change!

Last 6 March, Catholics around the world began the observance of the Lenten Season with Ash Wednesday. During this season, most people usually (or traditionally) give up eating meat, chocolates, or other food considered as "treats". The goal is to experience, at least for a few days during lent, sharing in the simple lifestyle, and suffering of those who have less in life. This is done along with prayers and alms-giving.

During his sermon, a bishop in England called on Catholics to do a different kind of fast -  one for the environment and climate change - instead of giving up sweets and treats. He said people can use less heating (since it's still winter there), take public transport, reduce waste and recycle. He recalled Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si, released in 2015, which decried the consumerist and wasteful lifestyle of people today, to the detriment of Creation, the natural environment and other creatures on Earth.

This is indeed a unique way of fasting and sacrificing for Lent. What better way of giving glory to the Lord than by glorifying and protecting His creation?

Here's a short list of fasting options which I think all of us can easily do everyday, without much sacrifice but with great benefit:

• Ditch that plastic and paper bag - bring your own reusable bag (preferably made of natural materials and not plastic too), it can easily fit your bag or pocket even. Refuse those tiny bags where they put small items which fit your pocket! 
• Skip the straw, plastic cover, and stirrers - when you buy your favorite coffee drink, milk tea, or any beverage, refuse the cover and the straw too, and simply use your God-given body parts. If staying in-store, request for it to be served in a mug (and if they don't have one, demand for it!). Bamboo and metal straws are also available now in the market. Forget those plastic stirrers as well. Usually your drink doesn't need them. If you have to use one, ask for a metal spoon instead. 
• Bring your own set of utensils - single use spoons, forks, and knives - those we use at fast foods and for take-away - also constitute a bulk of the plastic waste out there. Even though these are already biodegradable options out there, its still better to skip these and reduce waste. It wouldn't be too hard to bring a set and tuck it away in your bag. 
• Use a jug or tumbler for water - many people say that water is a basic necessity which should be free, and it shouldn't come from a bottle (this can be the subject of a whole different discussion). Plastic bottles and their caps are another major source of waste. Bring a jug or tumbler along - refill it at the restaurant or coffee shop before you go, or head to the mall's food court for a quick refill. Keep one in the office and in the car, so you'll always have the choice to bring it along. 
• Go for your handkerchief or the dryer to wash your hands - people get into the habit of pulling to many sheets of paper towels to dry their hands. Maybe because its free; maybe because one can find joy in pulling something and magically another one appears in its place. Use your handkerchief, or the hand dryer instead of the paper. If you do have to use one, shake your hands well first to get the excess water off, before you gently pull that one piece of paper out.

The list can go on and on - but will stop here. Feel free to add to this "Lenten fasting list"and share your own little ways of helping the environment. After all, its the small things that each of us does that can have the biggest impact. As one Australian song says - "From small things, little things grow!" 

Have a blessed, and green, Lenten season! 

See: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-manchester-47468761