Observe an Eco-Lent
Today is Shrove Tuesday.
Depending upon where you are in the world that could mean shaking your beads and booty for Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Rio de Janeiro, donning a Carnivale mask as you swan about Venice in a gondola, or practicing your flipping skills for Pancake Day in London.
If you are Christian then it also means that Lent starts tomorrow. Most people associate Lent as a Catholic thing but it’s actually practiced, on a voluntary basis, in many Protestant denominations as well.
I appreciate that Christians who practice Lent do so for deeply felt religious purposes. Without wanting to undermine that, I would also suggest that there is merit in the idea of sacrifice and abstention from a secular point of view as well. We live in such a materialist society and one where indulgence and over-consumption is the norm, with devastating consequences for our health, our wallets and our planet. Sometimes a bit of abstention is what is needed to bring balance back into our lives – why else would so many people give up alcohol for January, for example?
Practicing Lent is never going to be as popular as eating pancakes today or chocolate eggs at the other end, but I’ve been surprised by how popular it seems to be – judging from the conversations I’ve seen on Twitter over the last few days.
If you or someone you know is planning to give up a luxury for Lent, how about something that benefits the environment? For example, giving up meat or take-away food, or using a tumble dryer for your clothes or driving a car. What is your biggest eco-sin that you don’t want to give up for good but think you might be able to do without for 40 days? That’s long enough to form a habit so it might even help you make longer term changes to your lifestyle.
Image: Daniele Butera
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7 Comments
February 24th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
I like where you are going with this. Lent choices could make a big impact on the environment, if only lent was all year round
February 24th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
I’m not religious, but this is a good idea to start a green habit. Anyone want to do this with me?
February 24th, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Definitely a good idea. I like.
There’s also the “reappreciation” aspect. If you want to learn to not take something for granted, if you want to truly *see* it again, then remove it from your life for a while….
I’m giving up takeaway food. But not just the standard kind – *all* kinds. It’s cooking or assembling from basic ingredients, or nothing. This is just what I need to kick my cooking skills to life again.
40 days. Right.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
what a fabulous idea!
February 24th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Hi! I’m studying to be a Lutheran pastor. Lent isn’t a voluntary practice for protestants, nor is it really a “practice.” Lent is a season of the church year. It is the fasting that is the spiritual practice. But you’re right on with the idea. Christians “give up” something during this time to re-orient their thinking to what is really important, in this case, God. But I think you’re ideas for an eco-Lent are great. In my church, we have been talking about creation and how God creates it all. God puts us in charge as stewards – like managers, not owners. So, I guess my point is, you’re right! We as people, and especially as Americans, have not only turned away from God in many ways, but we have also abused the gifts given us. Lent is the perfect time to turn back and be forgiven – and not just forgiven, but inspired. Thanks for this article!
February 25th, 2009 at 2:44 am
I’m feeling ridiculously pleased by this. http://twitter.com/DineandDish/statuses/1247699367
She’s the lady who inspired me to write the post. Yay!
Caitlin’s last blog post..Best Job in the World – end of round one
March 6th, 2009 at 2:27 am
Hi Adrienne, thanks for stopping by. It was interesting to hear the point that Lent is the season rather than the practice – I’m always happy to learn something new. It’s good to know we’re on the same wave length with the environmental angle, even though we don’t share a faith.
I find it quite interesting how different faiths come at the environmental question. Quakers for example are pacifists and they believe that we are currently making war on the Earth. Buddhists practice compassion to all living beings, which can include whole eco-systems not just individual animal. And of course, it’s perfectly possible to approach environmentalism from an atheist, secular viewpoint as well.
Caitlin’s last blog post..Photo Friday: Passion flower
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