It seems like only yesterday it was the beginning of the year and we were putting our New Year’s resolutions to the test. For many Lent is a second chance after cracking and stuffing our face with chocolate, sweets or whatever else it may be! If you’re considering giving something up for Lent this year, have a think about some of our sustainable ideas.
1. No new clothes
Did you know the fashion industry is having a huge impact on our planet and the people who make our clothes? Fast fashion has convinced us all that we need to constantly buy new clothes, but why not go the 40 days without buying anything new. You may be surprised at just how much you already have in your wardrobe.
2. Give up meat
As Hannah explored during Veganuary, going meat-free is not always the easiest thing to do. But it’s important to consider the amount of carbon emitted by the meat industry. With our current climate crisis looming, we all need to make lifestyle changes to treat our planet better. You might not be up for the full plunge into a vegan diet, but even vegetarian or reduced meat diets can make a huge difference.
3. Get clean plastic-free
Our world has a rubbish problem. We recently went to Haiti to see how it’s affecting people living there. Going zero waste can feel like an overwhelming challenge, but breaking it down into steps is a lot more realistic. This Lent, why not give up bathroom products packaged in plastic? Whether it’s soap bars or bamboo toothbrushes, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives. For inspiration, check out Less Waste Laura’s journey towards zero waste.
4. Reuse, reuse, reuse
Grabbing a quick coffee, buying a quick bottle of water, or buying a plastic bag at the supermarket a few times a day can quickly amount to a lot of single-use plastic over the course of a week. But there are plenty of alternatives to all of the above! KeepCups, water bottles and more, are all more available than ever before. See what you can reuse for life, instead of buying and chucking away.
5. Share your journey
Lastly, remember to share your journey! Sustainable lifestyle choices are great, but we can’t change the world by ourselves. Invite and encourage others around you to start their own sustainable journey and together we can make a bigger difference.