40 days and 40 nights
Yesterday marked the start of Lent and like January 1st, it is a
time when many vow to cut something out of their lives for 40 days.
Chocolate, alcohol and fast food are commonly abstained from during
Lent. Other pleasures sacrificed include shopping and television -
all in the hope of self improvement, money saving and a sense of
achievement come Easter Sunday.
One alternative Lenten promise that made headlines was the Bishop
of Liverpool, the Bishop of London and energy and climate change
minister, Ed Milliband's pledge to embark on a
carbon fast during Lent.
The Bishop of Liverpool is planning on installing solar
panels and will ensure his appliances are not left on
standby. Milliband has pledged to give up driving short distances.
Tearfund,
a relief and development charity, have pioneered the initiative and
hope to sign thousands of people up to save huge amounts of carbon
dioxide. Last year, over 2,000 took part in the campaign and over
9,000 tonnes of CO2 was saved.
I've now decided to reduce my carbon footprint during Lent, on
top of my original promises. I am going to watch an hour's less
television every day and use the time to take part in the much more
eco-friendly hobby of reading (by energy-saving lightbulb of
course).
Small changes of habit in the home and at work can make a real
difference and if we all make one little change, it could result in
a vast reduction in carbon and the impact we are having on our
planet.
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