UUCP’s first ever 40-Day Lent Challenge for the Earth

Wed. February 14th – Thu. March 28

The UUCP Earth Ministry challenges you to focus your mind and actions on taking better care of our planet during the 40 days of Lent. Sometimes it is hard to think of the things we, as individuals, can do to combat climate change and to follow through on our plans to be better stewards of the planet.

But if we take small actions together, and do them consistently, the results will add up and better habits can form. To participate, simply choose one of our environmental challenges listed below (or create your own), and try your best to follow through for 40 days (2/14-3/28).

Come sign your name in our Earth Ministry Lent Challenge book in the lobby after services available each Sunday in February and pick up a string to tie onto your wrist, your bag or anywhere that might serve as a reminder of the challenge and your participation.

40-Day Environmental Challenges:

ANIMAL PRODUCT FAST

Reduce meat consumption by trying a vegetarian diet, cutting out red meat or committing to meatless meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners) or meatless weekdays or weekends. Meat production accounts for 57% of greenhouse gas emissions of the entire food production industry. It also results in widespread deforestation and loss of biodiversity, significantly contributing to climate change.

PLASTIC BOTTLE FAST

Cut plastic waste by not buying any beverages bottled in plastic. Each day in the US more than 60 million plastic water bottles are thrown away. Most end up in landfills or incinerators, and millions appear as litter. Only 9% of all plastic waste is recycled (15% is collected for recycling but 40% of that is disposed of). Recent studies have found that around 13% of successfully recycled plastic escapes the recycling process as micro plastics, showing up in the air and waste water surrounding recycling facilities.

ONLINE SHOPPING FAST

Reduce packaging waste and shipping pollution by pausing your online shopping. Unrestrained consumerism is a huge driver of pollution. Exercise delayed gratification and practice being resourceful by finding alternative ways to meet your needs and quench your desires.

TAKE-OUT FOOD FAST

Reduce landfill waste and litter, and keep your body healthy by cooking at home rather than ordering takeout. Single use packaging like takeaway containers creates landfill waste and litter. PFOAs and PFCs (chemicals used to make coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease) are commonly used in food and takeaway packaging. These “forever chemicals” have been found to be harmful to health and have unknown environmental consequences.