Ah, Lent. The time of year when Christians from all walks of life commit to forty days of restraint—from sweets, meat, alcohol, soda, social media, and more. A sacrifice indeed.
I typically don’t give anything up for Lent. But this year, I’m excited about a Lenten Calendar from Iowa Interfaith Power and Light. It is based on a Lenten commitment to mindful purchasing.
It’s easy to forget that our purchases matter. Every dollar we spend is an investment in a particular enterprise. When we buy from Big Business, we support Big Business—and the planet suffers.
Iowa IPL’s project The Good Life Redefined “explores how our stuff contributes to climate change and how we each can make a difference by finding meaningful ways to create more JOYFUL lives and reduce our impact on the environment.”
This calendar includes some beautiful ideas for change:
- Consider a sabbath from buying once a week during Lent. Let it prompt a new awareness about your buying habits.
- Think about the difference between your needs and wants. Make a list and discuss with your family.
- Use reusable dishes, cups, flatware for gatherings. Consider cloth napkins, find them in abundance at resale shops.
- Control impulse buying by waiting 24 hours before deciding if you need that new electronic device, shoes, sofa, etc.
Our planet is under siege. It is up to us to change our ways to protect Mother Earth. Let’s start today!
Shout-out to my friend Craig Mosher for sending me the calendar!
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