A few years ago, having become aware of the damage being inflicted upon our wonderful planet, I decided to give up plastic for Lent. My ground rule was simple: no new plastic in the house for six weeks. I made sure I had a supply of those items which were always in plastic (washing-up liquid, for example). And I worried what I would do if I lost my bank card!
I had many successes. The local butcher placed my meat into the containers I provided, and the kind lady at the delicatessen counter carefully wrapped my cheese in greaseproof paper instead of plastic. Luckily, there was enough loose fruit and vegetables to buy, though I did get a bit fed up with potatoes, onions, carrots, parsnips, apples, pears and bananas. I got very excited when I found some loose chicory, until I remembered I didn’t like it.
There were a couple of near misses. I had presumed I would be able to buy toilet paper wrapped in paper (you can now), but despite searching far and wide, I couldn’t find any. I was reluctant to buy tissues as the boxes had plastic surrounding the aperture. Finally, a friend arrived at my door carrying a large paper carrier bag (the only one she could find) containing two toilet rolls. She told me she couldn’t stand the thought of me being without toilet paper any longer.
Then I knew that instant coffee came in glass jars, but I had forgotten about the plastic lid and was in danger of not being able to imbibe my go-to drink. Luckily, a kind person told me that Lent actually ended at noon on Holy Saturday, so at one minute past I was happy to buy my favourite beverage!
My failures? I had thought that teabags came in paper boxes; I was horrified when I opened my new packet and discovered the bags were wrapped in some kind of man-made material (not anymore). I was asked to help out at a Messy Church event on Mid-Lent Sunday, which meant I had to buy some paint inside a plastic container (though it didn’t get further than the porch). Finally, one wet Friday evening, I ordered fish and chips for delivery, knowing the containers were paper but forgetting that the bag they came in was plastic. I returned it to the delivery man once I had removed my supper.
I always say this was one of my hardest Lenten journeys, and I’m so glad I nearly managed it. I still insist on buying as much loose fruit and vegetables as I can, taking a container to the butcher, and using the ‘fill your own’ shop whenever I can. But in undertaking this challenge, I felt I was helping to make God’s world a better place for all the wonderful things God created and loves.
Jane is a member of the Justice, Peace and Ecology team in Britain. As part of the Columban Missionaries’ global mission priority to protect and restore biodiversity, the team in Britain works to promote care for creation through education, advocacy and practical action. Through the Columban eco-retreat programme, Flourish, JPE Coordinator James Trewby works with teachers and students to explore faith in action and discover practical ways of caring for God’s creation. By connecting spirituality, environmental awareness and hands-on activities, these retreats encourage participants to recognise their role as stewards of our common home.
