#carbonfast

Advocate for Change

Fast for the Earth 2026 / /

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: ‘In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’” — Luke 18:1-3 Persistence changes things. The parable of the persistent widow reminds us that even when power seems unmoved, consistent voices can bring about justice. Today, that justice looks like protecting creation from the chokehold of plastic. And ordinary people — not governments or corporations — are proving that persistence works. Woolworths: Customers Who Wouldn’t Let Go In South Africa, Woolworths faced mounting pressure from customers who demanded an end to single-use plastic bags. Shoppers spoke up, wrote letters, and kept pushing. Eventually, Woolworths announced it would drop plastic bags at all food stores, replacing them with reusable alternatives. What began as scattered complaints became a movement that reshaped a national retailer’s policy. Persistence paid off. The Last Plastic Straw: Grassroots Power In the United States, a grassroots campaign called The Last Plastic Straw began with individuals challenging restaurants to stop serving drinks with plastic straws. What seemed like a small ask grew into a global movement. Thousands of restaurants, bars, and cafes have since eliminated straws or switched to compostable versions. The campaign showed that even the smallest plastics can be challenged — and that one person’s voice can ripple outward into systemic change. Plastic Pollution Coalition: Turning Advocacy into Action The Plastic Pollution Coalition amplified these voices, sharing stories of communities and individuals who convinced local businesses to ditch plastics. From beachside cafes to school cafeterias, persistent advocacy led to real shifts. These weren’t government mandates; they were victories won by everyday people who refused to accept “business as usual.” What Can We All Do? The persistent widow didn’t stop asking, and neither should we. Change doesn’t come from one loud protest — it comes from consistent, everyday advocacy. Here’s how we can follow her example: Speak up: Ask your local shop or restaurant to consider alternatives to plastic. Don’t be silent. Support change: When businesses make eco-friendly shifts, reward them with your loyalty. Educate: Share stories of successful campaigns with friends, family, and community groups. Inspiration spreads. Persist: If the answer is “no” today, ask again tomorrow. Persistence is the key. Closing Thought The widow’s persistence brought justice. Our persistence can bring healing to creation. Every time we challenge a business to rethink plastic, we are advocating for change — not just for ourselves, but for generations to come. The question is: will we keep asking, keep pushing, keep persisting? Because if ordinary people can convince Woolworths, restaurants, and coalitions to act, then surely we can convince the world.

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RETHINK PACKAGING

Fast for the Earth 2026 / /

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children.” — Proverbs 13:22 When we talk about inheritance, we often think of wealth, property, or legacy. But what kind of inheritance are we leaving if our packaging choices choke the earth with waste? Cardboard, polystyrene, and bubble wrap — everyday materials we barely notice — are shaping the future of our planet. Let’s unpack their impacts and what we can do about them. Cardboard: The Double-Edged Sword Cardboard is often hailed as the eco-friendly alternative to plastic. It’s renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable. Around 70% of corrugated cardboard boxes are successfully recycled, which is impressive. But cardboard isn’t without problems. Its production requires deforestation, water, and energy, especially when virgin materials are used. Transporting cardboard also adds to carbon emissions. While cardboard is better than plastic, overuse and improper disposal still strain ecosystems. The solution? Reuse boxes whenever possible, support recycling programs, and choose packaging made from recycled fibers. Cardboard is good — but only if we handle it responsibly.  Polystyrene: The Persistent Polluter Polystyrene, commonly seen in takeaway containers and protective packaging, is lightweight and versatile. But its environmental cost is staggering. Made from fossil fuels, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions during production. Once discarded, it resists biodegradation for hundreds of years, polluting landfills, oceans, and habitats. Marine life often ingests polystyrene debris, leading to injury or death. Worse, chemical additives like styrene pose health risks to humans and wildlife alike. This is packaging that lingers for generations. The best response? Avoid polystyrene altogether. Opt for compostable or reusable alternatives, and pressure businesses to phase it out.  Bubble Wrap: Pop Culture with a Cost Bubble wrap is fun to pop and effective at protecting fragile items, but it’s made from polyethylene — a petroleum-based plastic. It can take hundreds of years to decompose, leaching harmful chemicals into soil and water. Recycling bubble wrap is technically possible, but most facilities don’t accept it because it’s bulky and lightweight. As a result, it often ends up in landfills or as litter. Its production also consumes significant energy and emits greenhouse gases. Alternatives like biodegradable air cushions, shredded paper, or reusable padding offer safer options. The joy of popping bubbles shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet.  What We Can Do The inheritance we leave depends on the choices we make today. Here are practical steps: Reduce: Say no to unnecessary packaging. Buy in bulk or choose products with minimal wrapping. Reuse: Repurpose cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and even polystyrene when possible. Recycle: Support local recycling programs and ensure materials are clean and uncontaminated. Replace: Encourage businesses to adopt biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Proverbs reminds us that a good person leaves an inheritance for future generations. If our inheritance is polluted oceans and overflowing landfills, we’ve failed. But if we act now — rethinking packaging, reducing waste, and choosing sustainable alternatives — we can leave behind a cleaner, healthier world. Cardboard, polystyrene, and bubble wrap don’t have to define our legacy. Let’s make sure they don’t.

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KIDS GIVE AWAY

Fast for the Earth 2026 / /

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” — Matthew 18:10 When we think of waste, our minds often jump to plastic bags, bottles, or straws. But there’s another category of waste that quietly piles up: school supplies. Paper, crayons, and felt‑tip pens are staples of childhood learning, yet when they’re discarded carelessly, they contribute to environmental harm. More importantly, dumping them denies children — especially those in under‑resourced schools, Sunday schools, or crèches — the chance to learn, create, and thrive. Paper: More Than Just Sheets Paper waste is one of the largest contributors to deforestation and landfill overflow. Overuse of paper in schools and offices means trees are cut down faster than they can be replaced. Producing paper consumes water and energy, and discarded sheets often end up in landfills where they release methane as they decompose. But here’s the twist: paper that’s “old” to us may still be perfectly usable for children learning to write or draw. Donating leftover notebooks or scrap paper transforms waste into opportunity, giving kids the tools to practice literacy and creativity without adding to the environmental burden. Crayons: Colorful but Problematic Crayons seem harmless — they’re colorful, fun, and central to childhood art. Yet most crayons are made from paraffin wax, a petroleum byproduct. When tossed out, they don’t biodegrade; they sit in landfills for centuries. Millions of crayons are discarded every year, even though they could still bring joy to children. Organizations have shown that recycled crayons can be melted down and reshaped, extending their life. Instead of throwing away broken or unused crayons, donating them to schools or Sunday schools ensures that children can continue to express themselves through art while reducing waste. Markers: Small Plastics, Big Impact Markers are another overlooked source of waste. Made of plastic casings and chemical inks, they’re difficult to recycle. When dumped, they contribute to the growing plastic pollution crisis. Yet many pens still have ink left when they’re discarded, or can be repurposed for group activities in classrooms. Donating them to crèches or youth programs means children can enjoy creative play and learning without families or schools needing to buy new supplies. It’s a simple act that reduces waste and supports education. When Jesus spoke of not despising “the little ones,” He reminded us that children are precious in God’s sight. Caring for them means more than love and protection — it means ensuring they have the resources to flourish. By donating school supplies, you’re not just reducing waste; you’re investing in the future of children and honoring creation. Call to Action Next time you clean out your desk or backpack, pause before tossing those half‑used notebooks, broken crayons, or faded markers. Ask yourself: could these still serve a child? If the answer is yes, then donate them. Schools, Sunday schools, and crèches are waiting. Let’s stop turning our inheritance into waste and start turning it into hope.

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Come and See Meat Free Monday

Fast for the Earth 2026 / /

“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Come and see.’” – John 1:39 Lent invites us into a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. One way we can participate in this spiritual journey is through conscious choices in our daily life, such as practicing Meat-Free Monday. This simple act of abstaining from meat once a week can be much more than a dietary decision—it can become a spiritual discipline. Come and see- this encourages us to try something new – perhaps you have always thought plant free food is boring – lets share ideas – get new recipes! By choosing plant-based meals, we engage in a small but powerful practice of self-denial, echoing the call to simplicity and mindfulness that Lent encourages. It is a reminder that our habits impact not only our bodies but also the world around us. Livestock farming contributes significantly to environmental degradation and climate change, and by eating less meat, we reduce our ecological footprint and act as stewards of God’s creation. Meat-Free Monday can also become a moment of gratitude. Preparing meals from grains, vegetables, and legumes invites creativity and reflection. It encourages us to consider the abundance of God’s provision beyond the typical protein-heavy diet. Sharing these meals with family, friends, or neighbors fosters community and generosity, embodying the love Christ calls us to live out daily. Lent is a season of inviting God into the ordinary rhythms of our lives. Choosing a meat-free day is a tangible way to slow down, reflect on our consumption, and align our actions with our faith. It’s a small step, but one that can ripple outward, influencing our health, our environment, and our spiritual growth. Reflection Prompt:This week, ask yourself: How can my food choices honor God, care for creation, and deepen my spiritual discipline? Consider what changes you can make, even beyond Mondays, to live more intentionally and compassionately.

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Pledge to reduce food waste

Fast for the Earth 2026 / /

“When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’” – John 6:12 Lent is a season of intentional living. It invites us to slow down, to reflect, and to realign our daily habits with the values of the Kingdom of God. In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus performs a miracle of abundance — yet he commands the disciples to gather the leftovers so that nothing is wasted. Even in abundance, waste has no place in God’s economy. Today, food waste is a global crisis. Vast amounts of edible food are discarded while millions go hungry. Wasted food also wastes water, energy, land, and labour. When food ends up in landfill, it produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Reducing food waste is therefore both an act of compassion and an act of environmental stewardship. A Lenten “Food Pledge” can become a meaningful spiritual discipline. It might begin with planning meals carefully, buying only what is needed, and storing food properly. It could include cooking smaller portions, creatively using leftovers, sharing surplus with neighbours, or composting food scraps. These simple practices honour the resources God has provided. Lent traditionally calls us to fasting, prayer, and generosity. Reducing food waste connects all three. We fast from excess consumption. We pray with gratitude for daily bread. We give by ensuring that food is shared rather than discarded. Making a food pledge during Lent reminds us that every meal is sacred. Each loaf, fruit, and grain carries the gift of God’s provision and the labour of many hands. This season, let us hear Jesus’ words afresh: “Let nothing be wasted.” In caring for food, we care for people — and for the earth that sustains us.

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Pledge to use less plastic

Fast for the Earth 2026 / /

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” – Psalm 24:1 Lent is a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a time when Christians examine their lives and consider how they are living in relationship with God, with one another, and with creation. Psalm 24 reminds us that the earth does not belong to us — it belongs to God. We are caretakers, not owners. Reducing our use of plastic during Lent can therefore become a meaningful spiritual practice. Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. Single-use plastics clog rivers, pollute oceans, harm wildlife, and break down into microplastics that enter our food and water. The convenience we enjoy for a few minutes can damage ecosystems for hundreds of years. When we reflect on Christ’s call to love our neighbour, we must include those most affected by pollution — often poorer communities living near landfills or polluted waterways. Lent traditionally involves giving something up, not as punishment, but as a way of creating space for deeper faithfulness. Choosing to reduce plastic — by refusing single-use bags and bottles, carrying reusable containers, avoiding over-packaged goods, and recycling responsibly — becomes a practical act of discipleship. It trains us in mindfulness and self-restraint, virtues at the heart of the Lenten journey. Reducing plastic also aligns with the spirit of simplicity that Lent encourages. It invites us to question our patterns of consumption and to live more gently on the earth. Small daily choices, repeated over forty days, can form new habits that last long after Easter. Look at the areas of your life where you are using too much plastic and see what you can do to reduce This Lent, let us honour the Creator by caring for creation. In reducing plastic, we bear witness to a faith that is not only prayed — but lived.

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