Lent

Make Your Mark – What size is your Carbon Footprint?

What Is a Carbon Footprint? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), that a person, product, or activity releases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to climate change. Almost everything we do—driving a car, using electricity, eating food, or even buying clothes—adds to our carbon footprint. For example, when you eat a burger, carbon is released from raising the cows, transporting the meat, and cooking it. The same goes for using a smartphone, which requires energy to make, charge, and use. Even streaming videos online has a footprint because it requires massive data centers running on electricity. Plastic has a big carbon footprint because it’s made from fossil fuels like oil and gas. Making just 1 kg of plastic releases 2.5 to 6 kg of CO₂. Transporting, using, and throwing it away adds even more pollution. Reducing plastic use helps protect the planet from climate change!Reducing your carbon footprint means making choices that create less pollution, like walking instead of driving, eating less meat, recycling, and using renewable energy. Every small change helps slow down climate change. Your choices today can make a big impact on the future of our planet! If you would like to measure your carbon footprint there are some great sites to do so. We like the one from WWF Australia – check it out!https://wwf.org.au/get-involved/ecological-footprint-calculatorhttps://wwf.org.au/get-involved/ecological-footprint-calculator Here is another good one from the Nature Conservancyhttps://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/carbon-footprint-calculator Think about what changes you would like to make in your life and share your pledge with us on Saturday! The Church of the Holy Spirit, Hazendal held an eco-audit – to measure their use of electricity and water. They mended leaks and changed their light bulbs

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Ash Wednesday 2025 – Sustainable Shift

“Turn away from sin and believe the good news” These are the words that are said as the priest marks you with the cross of ashes.  Turn away from sin Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This reminds us that no one is perfect—we all make mistakes. That includes how we care for the environment. Maybe we’ve littered, wasted food, or ignored the impact of our choices. But God calls us to be stewards of His creation (Genesis 2:15). Even though we’ve fallen short, we have the chance to change. Small actions—like reducing plastic waste, conserving water, or planting trees—reflect a heart that values what God has given us. Our mistakes don’t define us; our willingness to do better does. You have the power to influence the future. Will you help heal what’s broken? Let’s take responsibility, not just for ourselves but for the world around us. When we care for creation, we honor the Creator. It’s never too late to start making a difference. Believe the good news For years, we’ve been fed this idea that humans are the problem, that just by existing, we’re harming the planet. Everywhere we turn, we’re told to do less, take less, be less. And sure, being mindful matters, but what if our real power isn’t in pulling back, but in stepping up? What if we’re not here to shrink our existence, but to find our light and let it shine—brightly, boldly, and unapologetically? Maybe it’s time to rethink what it means to leave a footprint. It’s time to rewrite the story. Maximizing our footprint isn’t about being reckless or consuming endlessly. It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about recognizing that we do have power—and using that power to create more good in the world. Let’s start with the 40 days of Lent! Share a photo of yourself with the Ash Cross!

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