Lenten Fast for the
Environment - 2016
Before God gave the human race the ten commandments, before God told us to go and make disciples,
he gave us a simple commandment - “Take care of my Earth”
We have not done a good job of caring for God’s Earth. According the Living Planet Index, Biodiversity
has declined by more than a quarter in the last 35 years. …. And that’s not good news!
Globally, we now require the equivalent of 1.4 planets to support our lifestyles. This is humanity’s current
Ecological Footprint – the demand people place upon the natural world.
We are polluting our rivers and seas, creating piles of waste and toxic chemicals. It is time for us to
change.
During this Lent – Let’s examine our lifestyles and see where we fall short of God’s commandment and
how we can help others, our Church and Community to be faithful Earth Keepers.
Wednesday, 10 February
Care for our Common Home
The Pope’s appeal to the world: “We all must work together to
protect our planet - I urgently appeal, then, for a new dialogue
about how we are shaping the future of our planet. We need a
conversation which includes everyone, since the environmental
challenge we are undergoing, and its human roots, concern and
affect us all.”
Download and read the Laudato Si’ – Care for our Common Home - https://laudatosi.com/watch
Thursday, 11 February
Today – give something away
“Be rich in doing good things. Give freely. Be willing to share”
Tim 6:18
Today practice sacrifice.
Give something small of yours away. Before you leave the house, pick up something that you can take
with you and give it to someone that it would benefit during the course of the day
Whether that is a basic necessity like shoes or just calling someone to let them know you are thinking
about them or going through your cupboards and donate clothes you no longer wear.
There is a need for people to do good deeds for others not just for one day but every day.
Magic Penny
Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away
Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.
It’s just like a magic penny.
Hold it tight and you won’t have any.
Lend it, spend it and you’ll have so many
They’ll roll all over the floor. For
Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away
Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.
Money’s dandy and we like to use it
But love is better, if you don’t refuse it
It’s a treasure and you’ll never lose it
Unless you lock up your door. For
Love is something if you give it away, give it away, give it away
Love is something if you give it away, you end up having more.
So let’s go dancing ‘till the break of day
And if there’s a piper, we can pay
For love is something if you give it away
You end up having more.
(Song written by Malvina Reynold)
Friday, 12 February
What am I doing? – Water
Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feed and
rest under this tree. – Gen 18:4\
Take time today to make a note of each time you use water – and how much. Your water use could be
from your taps in your home, at work, school. It may be in that take-away cup of coffee you grab on the
way to work. It could be flushing the loo at a friend’s house. By the way – every time you use electricity,
you are using water as well – so make a note of that as well!
Over the course of the day, you will be surprised just how much water you DO use!
Acknowledging that you do need to drink enough liquid to keep well hydrated and heathy – take a look
at your list – were there times when your water usage was not crucial? Will you be able to address water
wastage going forward?
Saturday, 13 February
What am I doing? – Energy
You are my lamp, o Lord, the Lord turns my darkness into light – 2
Sam 22:29
Just as you did yesterday with water – today is energy’s turn.
Take time today to make a note of each time you use electricity – and how much. This could be switching
on your kettle for your first cup of coffee, turning on lights, computers, TVs, vacuum cleaners, to going
through the check-out at the supermarket.
Over the course of the day, you will be surprised just how much electricity you DO use!
Don’t forget, when you use electricity – you are also using water!
Take a look at your list – were there times when your electricity usage was not crucial? Will you be able
to address electricity wastage going forward?
Sunday, 14 February
Earth keeping in the Church Kitchen
The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden
to work it and take care of it. - Genesis 2:15
Let’s look at food. How does my church cater? Where do we buy our food, is it local or shipped in from
far away. Do we use free range chicken or factory farmed? What happens to leftover food? Do we use
Styrofoam or do we wash up?
Styrofoam (polystyrene) Non-Biodegradable
Styrofoam appears to last forever, as it is resistant to photolysis, or the breaking down of materials by
photons originating from a light source. This, combined with the fact that Styrofoam is lightweight and
therefore floats, means that over time a great deal of polystyrene has accumulated along coasts and
waterways around the world. It is now considered the main component of marine debris.
Food Contamination
When Styrofoam containers are used for food, chemicals can leach into the food, affecting human health
and the reproductive systems. This is accentuated if people reheat the food while still in the container.
Let us be Earthkeepers, starting in our Church Kitchen!
Monday, 15 February
Meat Free Monday
Is it sustainable?
In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every
human being.” [Job 12:10]
All living beings are all precious to God – not just humans. “… even the hairs of your head are all
counted.” And, likewise, not even a single sparrow “is forgotten in God’s sight.” [Luke 9:6-7] “Your
righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans
and animals alike, O Lord.” [Psalm 36:6]
Given God’s great love for all creatures, we need to reflect on our practice of eating meat farmed in
factory farms.
Meat & chicken

Ask questions as to how the meat supplied to supermarkets is raised. Can you switch to organic
& free range?
Fish

Is the fish that you buy from sustainable stocks? Consult the South African Sustainable Seafood
Initiative (SASSI) list. SMS the name of the fish to 079 499 8795 or download you own list from
www.wwfsassi.co.za

Does packaged fish (tins or boxes) bear the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) endorsement?

Is the tinned tuna “dolphin friendly”?
Game

Has the game been hunted ethically and within the prescribed hunting season?
Honey

Does the honey come from a “badger friendly” source?
Boycott unsustainable products & know the best and worst products
NB! - Never buy ANYTHING that originates from any endangered or threatened species!
Tuesday, 16 February
Wonderbags, Rocket stoves and other creative ideas
Exodus 12:8 “They shall eat the flesh that night, roasted on the
fire; with unleavened bread and bitter herbs they shall eat it.”
There are lots of creative ways to save on electricity in our cooking processes. During the second world
war when fuel was scarce, “hay boxes” were commonly used.
These “boxes” have evolved over the years, but are still as
economical and environmentally friendly as they ever were.
To make one, fill a cardboard box with hay, shredded paper or
polystyrene bits. Put you food into a pot with a lid, bring to
boiling point and simmer for ten minutes. Then put your pot
into the filled cardboard box. Leave it overnight and voila! Your
food is cooked.
There are many creative ideas available of ways to reduce
your cooking fuel and costs.
One of these is the Wonderbag, an innovative insulated slow-cooking bag designed to save you time,
effort and energy. The Wonderbag is a simple but revolutionary concept: simply bring your food to the
boil on an ordinary stove, then switch off and tuck your hot cooking pot up in the cosy, electricity-free
Wonderbag for a delicious slow-cooked meal, with all the nutrients locked in. Use the Wonderbag to
cook stews, curries, soups and casseroles, while you spend less time in the kitchen and more relaxing
with your loved ones No plugs, no fuss!
To read More about Wonderbags visit http://wonderbagworld.com/international
…. Or what about the rocket stove? A wood burning fire wastes most of its
heat as well as producing smoke pollution. A rocket stove is an efficient
cooking stove using small pieces of wood fuel which is burned in a simple
high-temperature combustion chamber containing a vertical chimney and a
secondary air supply, which ensures almost complete combustion prior to
the flames reaching the cooking surface.
To read more about rocket stoves visit
http://www.rocketworks.org/products/gasifying-rocket-stove/
Other simple ways to save electricity during cooking

Turn off your oven ten minutes before the food is ready, the oven will retain its heat for that long.

Use a kettle to boil water for cooking as it is quicker and uses less energy than a pot on the hob.

Always match the size of the pan with the size of the stove plate.

Use a microwave to cook as it is quicker and cheaper, 1 oven uses the same power as 18
microwaves.

Only fill kettle with the amount of water that you need.

Cut food into smaller pieces before cooking to help it cook quicker.

Make your toast in a toaster, not under the grill.

Don’t keep opening the oven door while you are cooking.
Wednesday, 17 February
Buy local - reduce your food miles
“And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all
kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit
fail” - Ezekiel 47:12 ESV
Have a diner with ingredients from only your area and taste the deliciousness from what can be made
near you!
What on earth are food miles?
They are the distance that your food travels from the grower to your plate, including travel to and from
processor and retailer.
Why should I want to reduce them?

Because transporting your food long distances involves trucks and planes. And trucks and planes
use lots of fuel and emit tons of CO2 emissions, contributing to global warming.

Buying locally prevents some countries from cutting down forests and losing their own food,
because big companies see food as a commodity, rather as a way to feed the people of that
country.

Locally grown food tastes better. It is usually picked in the last day or two. Produce that has been
trucked or flown in is much older. fresh produce loses nutrients quickly

Local food supports local people and creates jobs.

Buying local food creates community!
How to reduce food miles:

When shopping in supermarkets, check the labels. Buy food that is grown or produced locally.

Eat what’s in season. It won’t have travelled as far as out-of-season fruit and vegetables.

Visit your local Farmers’ Market.

Find your local farm shops, producers and pick-your-own farms

Grow your own - start a veggie patch in your back garden. Support your local greengrocer,
butcher and fishmonger, and ask them to stock more local produce.

Walk or take the bus to your local shops. This way you won’t add to the food miles already
accrued.
As you enjoy your ‘local’ meal, make a list of potentially the number of people that you have
contributed something to their wellbeing through the products you bought.
Thursday, 18 February
War on waste
“When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his
disciples. “Gather the leftover pieces,” he said. “Don’t waste
anything.” John 6:12
In the feeding of the 5000, Jesus told the disciples to collect up all the food and not to waste anything. I
wonder who the people were who received those leftovers? - the elderly, the orphans, the physically
challenged, who had not been able to walk to where Jesus was preaching.
How would Jesus feel about the amount of waste we create and throw away now?
At the Rio+20 conference food waste was highlighted as a key problem. “Food wasted by consumers in
high-income countries (222 million tons) is roughly equal to the entire food production of sub-Saharan
Africa (230 million tons).”
Here in South Africa a staggering one third of annual food production is wasted! Some of it is on the
farms, where products are considered “substandard quality” and are left to rot. Some of it is during
transportation from farm to shop. More food is wasted in shops as it passes its sell by date.
And then there is me, and you. We buy too much, cook too much, and leave too much on our plates.
Our challenge today is to write down what food you throw away this week. Aim to reduce it by a third by
eating leftovers and commit yourself to shopping more carefully, preserving leftovers, giving to those in
need, and composting to improve your garden….. Shopping with a list helps curtail those “impulse
buys”.
Friday, 19 February
Smart Fish Friday
Grow something
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face
of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it.
They will be yours for food. Gen 1:29
During World War 2 when there was a food crisis, the government initiative a campaign called “Dig for
Victory” These gardens were also considered a civil “morale booster” in that gardeners could feel
empowered by their contribution of labor and rewarded by the produce grown. This made victory gardens
a part of daily life on the home front.
We have a food crisis in our World and perhaps now is the time that we encourage all Christians to take
this small action to grow something in their homes. How satisfying to put your own chives into a salad or
to share the excitement of your granddaughter as she sees a tiny tomato growing on the tomato that she
planted herself.
By growing something, we also become co-creators with God and learn something of the joy of growth.

Remember those bean sprouts you did in primary school? http://www.wikihow.com/Grow-BeanSprouts-Indoors - grow some of those to throw into crunchy salads.

How
about
some
herbs
on
your
window
sill
and
ttp://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/growing-your-own-herbs

And if you want to start a veggie garden: http://home.howstuffworks.com/starting-a-vegetablegarden.htm
grow
from
there!
Saturday, 20 February
Shrink your plate
“I have learned the secret of being content no matter what
happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am
content whether I have more than enough or not enough”. Phil
4:12
Use a smaller plate!
The global increase in obesity rates over the past 30 years has been paralleled by an increase in the
portion size of many foods. Items available at fast food restaurants are estimated to be 2 to 5 times larger
than 2 decades ago!
Here are a few suggestions on how to shrink that portion size

Use smaller plates! Use the smallest plates you have in your cupboard. Psychologically the
helping will feel bigger, it will reduce calories and you will have leftovers to eat later! It will also
not provide as much demand on the production of food.

Fill up your plate with healthy stuff, like vegetables or salad.

Fill the plates and then put the leftovers in the fridge. If you leave them on the table everyone will
come for seconds, hungry or not!

Enough is enough. Eating too much is bad for your body and bad for the planet…..
Sunday, 21 February
Stamp out Styrofoam
Their land will be an object of horror and of lasting scorn; all who
pass by will be appalled and will shake their heads. (Jerem
18:16)
Avoid using Styrofoam packaging, when buying a take-away use recycled paper or a reusable container.
Styrofoam is the common name for a type of expanded plastic called Polystyrene foam and is made
from styrene, a derivative of the chemical benzene, which is fused into long chains and then expanded
using heat and steam.
There are health risks associated with continual exposure to high quantities of Styrofoam, but the main
negative aspect to Styrofoam is the negative effect it has on the environment. Styrofoam accounts for
a huge proportion of garbage ending up in landfill sites and they are non-biodegradable, which means
that once discarded they will remain in overcrowded landfills indefinitely.
Styrofoam is recyclable into new packing materials or other plastic products such as coat hangers and
cd jewel cases. However, Styrofoam is not accepted at many recycling centers and the environmental
cost of the recycling and re-manufacture processes is high.
The easiest way to reduce polystyrene foam waste is to replace disposable products such as cups,
coolers, and lunch tray with reusable items. If disposable products are needed, there are numerous
paper alternatives that are recyclable and/or biodegradable
Monday, 22 February
Meat Free Monday
Time to re-tyre!
You’ll travel safely; you’ll neither tire nor trip. Prov 3:23
Check your tyre pressure, under inflation can cause a 5% decrease in petrol mileage, releasing more
pollution.
We often don’t think of tyres as being an environmental issue. By maintaining them properly you help
conserve the energy and resources that would go into making new ones, save petrol, and reduce the
problems created when they are thrown away. Tyres are bulky, do not decompose and provide places
for mosquitoes to breed.
Tyre trivia

It takes half a barrel of crude oil to produce the rubber in one lorry tyre

Worldwide every year 3 billion tyres, yes 3 billion! are discarded
What to do?

Keep your tyres inflated. This preserves the life of the tyre and can improve your fuel consumption
by 5%.

Ask your tyre dealer if they recycle, if they don’t then say you will buy from the one that does!

When you change your tyres, change to radial, they do improve mileage

Recycle! Producing recycled tyres saves 70% of the energy it takes to make them new. They can
be used for carpet padding, sporting goods, and added to playgrounds and running tracks.

Re-use tyres for community projects. They can be used for crèches, for foundations for planting
veggies!
Tuesday, 23 February
Fix your fridge!
“By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are
frozen fast” Job 37:10
For most people the fridge is the item in the house which uses the second largest amount of electricity
because it is on all the time. Here’s what to do:
Set the temperature for only as cold as you need it.
Fridge should be between 2-4°C, and the freezer should be -17 to -10°C. To test the fridge temperature,
put a thermometer in a glass of water in the center of the fridge and leave it there for 24 hours. To test
the freezer temperature, put the thermometer between two frozen packages. If the temperature is colder
than needed, then set the fridge to a warmer temperature.
Don’t put hot foods in the fridge.
One to two hours of cooling off time will definitely make your refrigerator work less. You can greatly cool
items by putting them in a container and soaking them in a pot of cold water for 15-30 minutes, which
means they can go into the fridge faster if you are worried about them going off.
Thaw frozen foods in the fridge rather than on the counter.
They’ll help cool the fridge as they defrost.
Pick a good spot for the fridge.
Position your fridge out of direct sunlight, and away from the oven. If you can’t then make sure there as
at least 5cm of space all around to allow for circulation.
Door Openings.
Every time you open the door you are wasting electricity as the fridge tries to cool down the whole room!
Defrost your freezer regularly
More frost makes the freezer work harder.
Cleaning the coils helps a little.
The coils are the winding black pipe either on the back of the fridge, clean with a brush or vacuum.
Make sure the gasket/sealer is in good shape.
If parts of it are coming off, then cold air is escaping, re-attach it with adhesive.
Replace your fridge
Older fridges are incredibly inefficient pre 2001 fridges use 1400 kWh a year, while a modern energyefficient model uses only 350 kWh — a whopping 75% reduction.
Wednesday, 24 February
Get tuned!
“Go to the village ahead of you. As soon as you get there, you
will find a donkey’s colt tied up. No one has ever ridden it. Untie
it and bring it here. 31 Someone may ask you, ‘Why are you
untying it?’ If so, say, ‘The Lord needs it.’ ” Luke 11:30-31
Keep your car tuned up, track your petrol mileage. Your wallet will be fat and your emissions low.
When Jesus came into Jerusalem, he did not choose a top of the range Arab stallion. The Gospels make
much of the fact that he chose to enter Jerusalem on a donkey, on the colt of a donkey. For Jesus
transport was not associated with status.
We also need to move away from the values of society that says “you are what your drive” A car is a
method of transport and we need to choose the most efficient. Getting good mileage out of your car is
not just a matter of the environment – a fuel efficient vehicle is less destructive than a petrol guzzler. And
it feels good on your pocket too!
Did you know - There are more than 1.2 BILLION cars on the road in the world.
The environmental impact of transport is significant because it is a major user of energy, and burns
most of the world’s petroleum. This creates air pollution, including nitrous oxides and particulates, and
is a significant contributor to global warming through emission of carbon dioxide for which transport is
the fastest-growing emission sector. By subsector, road transport is the largest contributor to global
warming.
What to do

Keep your car tuned up. A well-tuned car uses 9% less petrol.

Keep track of your petrol mileage. If it suddenly changes you can quickly sort out the problem
with your car.

Do not idle your car unnecessarily. It takes less petrol to start a car that to let it idle for more than
one minute. Switch off!

Keep fuel filters clean

Stay light. Don’t leave heavy things in your car. An extra 50 kg in your boot will reduce fuel
economy by 1%

When it comes to buying a new car, research petrol economy before you decide which make to
decide on.
Thursday, 25 February
Recharge your batteries
“Let us not become weary in doing good,” Galatians 6:9
Did you know?
Every year over 15 billion batteries are produced and sold worldwide Household batteries that are thrown
out with the rubbish end up in landfills where they corrode and break apart, releasing dangerous lead
and acid into the soil. Batteries that are incinerated reduce toxic chemicals into the air. Many are alkaline
batteries which are discarded after a single use. Fortunately, thanks to ongoing advances in both
batteries and battery chargers, alkaline batteries can be replaced with higher capacity, environmentally
friendly, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.
Recycle
Once a lead acid battery has died, there is no chance of a resurrection, however it can be effectively
recycled. It will be sorted and placed into a battery breaker and pulverised into small coin shaped pieces.
These pieces are placed into a tank and the dissimilar densities are separated - heavier pieces, such as
lead sink, while lighter pieces, like rubber and plastic float. Liquids, such as water and acid go into a
neutralising solution, and once the PH is neutral, it is innocuously discarded into the sewage system.
The plastic is melted down, the lead is cleaned of impurities, smelted into ingots and both are remoulded
into new batteries.
Lead-acid batteries are an environmental success story with more than 90% of all scrap batteries
successfully recycled in South Africa. This is compared with 70% of beverage cans, 65% of newspapers,
30% of plastics, and 26% of glass.
What to do

Use rechargeable batteries. they last longer than alkaline batteries

Use mains power instead of batteries whenever possible

Find out where to recycle your batteries and organize a system to help others to recycle too.
NB – Batteries are classed as toxic waste and cannot just be thrown away in your dustbin!
Friday, 26 February
Smart Fish Friday
Lessen your lights
“Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead
they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the
house”. Matt 5;15
Conserve your light, turn off fixtures when not in use, and use LED and other wattage lowering options
How to save electricity on lighting:
Lighting is probably the easiest area to save in. Switch to energy saving bulbs.
Save 70-90% right away by using LED or CFL lights. Here is why:
“Traditional incandescent bulbs are small heaters that give off a little bit of light—something you know if
you’ve ever touched a bulb that’s been on for a while. These bulbs were technological wonders when
they were patented in 1880, but today they are inefficient dinosaurs. They waste energy and money, and
they are responsible for millions of tons of global warming pollution.”
LED is better but the bulbs are expensive. You will pay them off eventually but if the cost is too high, go
with CFL. Make sure you get them bright enough -multiply by 6, a 10 watt LED is a 60 watt equivalent.
But CFLs with a warranty, the cheap ones burn out fast.
Turn off lights when you’re not using them, even for just a few minutes.
The idea that lights (whether regular or fluorescents) use extra electricity to start up is a myth.
Use a motion sensor
Exterior security lights automatically shut off after 1-15 minutes, so you’re not paying to run them all
night.
Use the lowest-wattage bulbs for lights that are always on (e.g., stairways).
Replacing 75-watt bulbs with 15-watt bulbs reduces energy usage by 80%. Replacing them with
LED or CFL lights saves even more.
Install a skylight.
Using natural lighting saves a bunch of energy and produces a much nicer environment besides. Modern
skylights are available which let in only the light and not the heat.
Saturday, 27 February
Find a Friend
“And the Samaritan put him on his own beast, and brought him
to an inn and took care of him.” - Luke 10:44
We have got into the habit of travelling alone, one person in a car. This makes no sense in terms of
saving petrol, money and the planet.
Here are some ways to reduce your petrol costs and your carbon footprint

Find a friend. For those regular trips, can you car pool?

Check out your public transport options. It might not work every time, but use it when it does.

Combine your trip with another.

What about your bike! Get in shape too

Couple of km? – walk!

Phone ahead – avoid that unnecessary journey by phoning ahead to see if the article you want
is in stock

Think it through – do you need to do this trip at all?

Telecommute – will they allow you to work from home from time to time?

Skype your meetings! Is it really necessary to travel for that meeting or can you connect on
skype?

Buy on the internet.
Definition:
recycle
riːˈsʌɪk(ə)l
verb
gerund or present participle: recycling
convert (waste) into reusable material.
"car hulks were recycled into new steel"
synonyms: reuse, reprocess, convert into something, reclaim, recover; More
salvage, save
"all our stores now collect and recycle cardboard boxes"

return (material) to a previous stage in a cyclic process.
"the amino acids are recycled in the synthesis of other proteins"

use again
"he reserves the right to recycle his own text"
12
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples,
“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” 13
So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces
of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. - John
6:12
Even Jesus hated waste!!! - So this Lent and beyond – let
us hate it too! …
Sunday, 28 February
Renew your Church
Jeremiah 6:16 -: This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the
crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the
good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.”
Can you be an agent of change in your church? Is your church recycling? So what is the big deal about
waste?
Firstly – we are wasting a junk-load of money!!
As one example, waste disposal is a critical issue – there is limited access to landfill space. The cost of
rehabilitating land fill is astronomical.
There are so many trucks moving up and down every day collecting waste. This costs you – the tax
payer!
Secondly – we owe it to our children and grandchildren. Whatever ends up in landfill stays there for a
long, long time. For instance, a milk carton takes 5 years to decompose, a foam cup takes 50 years, a
plastic bottle 450 years, a “disposable” nappy 550 years, and a plastic bag between 200 to 1000 years.
What will your great, great, great grandkids feel when they see your plastic bottle still here in 2316!!
The good news is this – it can create money and jobs!
Nationally in South Africa recycling has created over 29000 jobs, and created R15.3 BILLION in the last
year - So if we just throw our waste away we are throwing away job opportunities for many people
Can your church take this issue of recycling seriously? This is a service you can offer to the community
and to the planet. Find out which companies will come and pick up recycling. If you recycle in bulk you
can also possible earn some money by doing so.
Consider your own actions as well this Lent!
Monday, 29 February
Meat Free Monday
Become a bag lady (or gent)
“We are living on this planet as if we have another one to
go to” – Terri Swearinger
Did you know
Plastic shopping bags are usually not biodegradable. Even the ‘biodegradable’ ones never completely
disappear, they break up into little pieces.
Plastic is made from petroleum
Plastic often ends up in the ocean, killing marine animals or birds who get tangled up in them or swallow
them.
The ink used in plastic bags contains cadmium a toxic heavy metal, so when they are incinerated, heavy
metals spew into the air.
What to do

Think twice before taking a bag if your purchase is small. Just hold it in your (wait for it…) hands!

All plastic shopping bags are reusable many times. Keep one in your handbag for that unplanned
purchase

Bring cloth bags when you do your grocery shopping.

Buy bags made by community upliftment projects or special conservation causes and make a
difference as well!
Tuesday, 1 March
Fast for the climate
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on
them, they sent [them] away. Acts 13:3
Fasting in the Bible is not associated with inaction. It is associated with drawing close to God in order to
make a difference in the world. This week we consider our lifestyle in the area of ‘moving”. We live in a
mobile society where our form of transport is often associated with status. As we consider a simpler
lifestyle, we need to move towards smaller cars, lift sharing, public transport, scooters, bicycles and best
of all our feet!!
Today is the first of March, we would like to encourage you to join the fast and pray for the climate
movement.
When Typhoon Haiyan had just devastated the Philippines in November last year, climate commissioner
Yeb Saño was at the UN climate talks in Warsaw. His own family was caught up in the disaster that killed
thousands and destroyed homes and livelihoods across the country.
In a moving speech he said he would not eat until countries at the Warsaw conference delivered actions
that would ‘stop the madness’ of the climate crisis.
Hundreds of others from around the world chose to fast with him in solidarity.
Despite this, the Warsaw meeting saw countries, like Japan, actually winding back their climate
commitments, seemingly in denial that all countries will need to commit and contribute to the
comprehensive, global climate action plan which is due in Paris in 2015.
The Fast For The Climate Campaign has grown into global movement with participation of youth groups,
environmental groups and faith-based groups, who all want urgent action on climate change by
governments this year.
Wednesday, 2 March
Pre-cycle!
“Modern technology - Owes ecology - An apology.” ~Alan M.
Edison
Be aware of packaging, buy glass which can be easily recycled, and avoid excess packaging and keep
an eye out for recycled containers.
Be aware of the type and amount of packaging with your purchases and try where ever possible to
reduce the environmental impact. Retailers often use an excessive amount of packaging - the extra
boxes, bubble wrap, tissue paper, and additional packaging materials can have a negative impact on the
environment.
Thursday, 3 March
Lend-a-Tool
“Love your enemies do good to them and lend to them without
expecting to get anything back.” – Luke 6:35
Items such as mowers, power tools etc., are really costly and it really doesn’t seem appropriate or
economically viable to purchase such items if you are not going to use them on an on-going basis. It
makes better sense to borrow (or if you have these items - to lend to a friend) than outlaying a huge
amount of cash.
However!!! If you do borrow these items – ensure that you treat them well and return them promptly and
in good working order!
Where possible, borrow and/or lend ladders, mowers and tools. Share shopping trips and trade things
in your community to reduce unnecessary purchasing.
Friday, 4 March
Smart Fish Friday
Swop it out
“
Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they
need.” Deut 15:8
Although not “big” in South Africa, Swopping Parties are the “in thing to do” in countries such as Australia
and the United States – and they do make good sense! Exchange clothes, DVDs, CDs, jewelry and bags
so everyone gets something new without an extra trip
Why not organize one and see if it works for you!
If a Swopping party doesn’t grab you – what about organizing a Boot Sale (perhaps use your Church
property and donate proceeds to “Greening Projects” within your Church.)
Saturday, 5 March
Love Second hand
“Wear sandals, but not an extra tunic” – Mark 6:16
Children grow up! Adults grow “out” or “in”! … so … pass up / down clothes that don’t fit anymore!
The quandary of “what to do with those favourite pieces” in your cupboard can be daunting! Simple
solution - Give them to someone who needs them!
Sunday, 6 March
Do I NEED it or WANT it – there is a difference!
And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the
five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave
thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the
disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. - Matthew
14:19
Need not Greed
There is no way that the urgent and critical need for poverty alleviation and demand for a better standard
of living by an escalating human population can be met by the limited resources of our planet. Nor can
the planet cope with all our waste. More of the same “business as usual” will not change anything
because there is no longer enough to go round. We will have to find ways of sharing and distribution
resources more equitably. People in the developed world must change and reduce their wasteful
consumption habits. It is also imperative that we radically transform our discriminatory economic system
which benefits those who already have enough and marginalises the poor and the environment. We
cannot address poverty before we take care of creation – poverty alleviation and environmental care go
hand in hand. We can all change the way we do things, locally and globally. Because we are people of
faith, we have a moral obligation to do this.
(Season of Creation – Book 1)
Monday, 7 March
Meat Free Monday
Where do your toxics go?
“It wasn't the Exxon Valdez captain's driving that caused the
Alaskan oil spill. It was yours.” ~Greenpeace
Use non-toxic products, like natural fibres and home remedy cleaners.
Cleaning products are everywhere in our homes and offices: on dishes, countertops, furniture, clothes,
floors, windows, and floating through the air. In our war on dirt and germs we may often actually be
making things worse.
Most of the conventional cleaning products we all grew up with are petroleum-based and have dubious
health and environmental implications. Instead of opting for cleaning products that annihilate everything
in their path, there are plenty of natural products and methods that keep a house clean and fresh-smelling
without the toxic side effects.
1. Employ green cleaning products
As the health and environmental impacts of conventional cleaning products become more
thoroughly understood, more and more brands of healthy, green, and effective cleaning products
have started hitting the market. Many of these products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and made
from renewable resources (not petroleum). But if designer labels aren't for you, home-mixed
cleaners can get the job done and then some. Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda can be used to
clean almost anything. Mix in a little warm water with either of these and you've got yourself an allpurpose cleaner.
2. Avoid poor indoor air quality
It is not uncommon for the air inside a home or office to be more toxic than the air outside. Keeping
windows open as often as possible allows fresh air in and keep toxins flowing out. This is especially
important when cleaning your home.
3. Be careful with antibacterial cleaners
The antibacterial and antimicrobial 'cleaners' that many people think are necessary, especially
during cold season, don't clean hands better than soap and water, and also add to the risk of
breeding "super germs," bacteria that survive the chemical onslaught and have resistant offspring.
4. Help your home smell Bicarb-a-licious
Bicarbonate of soda not only removes those strange smells coming from your fridge, it's also a
great odour-eliminator for your carpet. Just sprinkle on a little bi-carb to soak up some of those
odours and then vacuum it up.
5. Clean your indoor air naturally
Skip the store-bought air fresheners and instead try boiling cinnamon, cloves, or any other herbs
you have a fondness for. Also, plants may not make your house smell different but are good for
filtering interior air - pretty much any broad green leaf plant will do
6. Avoid conventional dry cleaners
Conventional dry cleaners are the largest users of the industrial solvent called Perchloroethylene,
or perc, which is toxic to humans and also creates smog. The two most common green dry-cleaning
methods are carbon dioxide cleaning. Find companies that use green methods. If you do take
clothes to conventional cleaners, be sure to air them outside before wearing them or putting them
into your cupboard.
Tuesday, 8 March
Smart lawn
“Nature provides a free lunch, but only if we control our
appetites.” ~William Ruckelshaus
Keep your lawn mower blades sharp, use compost for fertilizer and to lower waste and remember longer
grass will keep more moisture.
When it comes to watering your lawn, less is more, at least in terms of frequency. Infrequent watering
- about 2.5 centimeters once a week will promote vigorous root growth and healthier grass. The healthier
the grass, the more resistant your lawn will be to pests, disease and weeds. Resistant, but not completely
immune. If worst comes to worst, resist the lure of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, which have a
detrimental effect on the soil, and ultimately on the grass you are trying to treat. Instead, nourish your
lawn with organic compost and tackle weeds the old-fashioned way - on your hands and knees.
Better yet, learn to tolerate a few weeds. Even if you could get rid of every weed - which you'll never be
able to do - it is not healthy to create a monoculture.
Wednesday, 9 March
Giving Green - Local is lekka!
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such
sacrifices are pleasing to God” - Hebrews 13:16
We are living in a material world; and sometimes that makes gift-giving stressful and expensive.
Choosing eco-friendly gifts is not only possible, it's affordable. You don't have to buy trendy (i.e.
expensive) gifts to stay sustainable.
Can you paint, crochet or knit, take nice photos, make darling crafts or display some other talent through
your gift giving? If not, find someone who can help you make one-of-a-kind eco-friendly gifts!
Green gift giving doesn't have to include anything complicated. Homemade biscuits, cakes and pies are
always appreciated by those wishing to cut back on unnecessary gift giving. The activity can be enjoyed
by the whole family and can save money. (Just be sure to check for allergies or dietary restrictions!)
And while you’re at it – make your own greeting card and wrapping paper – really easy and lots of fun
… and saves you a fortune!!
Thursday, 10 March
Office talk
“If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange
apples then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you
have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas,
then each of us will have two ideas.” - George Bernard Shaw
Bring your green ideas to the office, use ceramic coffee cups, recycled envelopes and get your coworkers
to join in.
A greener workplace can mean a lighter ecological footprint, a healthier and more productive place to
work, and good news for the bottom line. Whether you're the boss or the employee, whether your office
is green already or still waiting to see the light, some practical steps can lay the groundwork for a healthy,
low-impact workspace.
1. More Work, Less Energy
For many people, a computer is the central tool at work. Optimizing the energy settings for
computers and other devices can be more than a modest energy saver. Printers, scanners, and
other peripherals that are only used occasionally can be unplugged until they're needed. And of
course, turn off lights in spaces that are unoccupied.
2. Digitize
It does seem a bit strange that in the "digital age" we still consume enormous amounts of mashed
up, bleached tree pulp, most of which gets used once or twice and then tossed or recycled . The
greenest paper is no paper at all, so keep things digital and dematerialized whenever possible.
The more you do online, the less you need paper. Keep files on computers instead of in file
cabinets - but remember to do regular and thorough backups!
3. Don't Be a Paper Pusher
When buying printer paper, look for recycled paper with a high percentage of post-consumer
content and the minimum of chlorine bleaching. Even recycled paper gobbles up a great deal of
energy, water, and chemical resources in its processing. When using the real stuff, print on both
sides of the page when appropriate and use misprints as notepaper. Try to choose printers and
photocopiers that do double-sided printing. If your office ships packages, reuse boxes and use
shredded waste paper as packing material.
4. Greening the Commute
Check out the best routes to and from work, and the optimal times. You may want to start your
day much earlier to avoid the bumper-to-bumper traffic. Take other forms of transport if at all
possible.
5. Green Sleeves
You might be amazed how sharp work clothes from thrift stores can look. If you buy new, get
clothes made with organic or recycled fibres. Avoid clothes that need to be dry cleaned, and if
they so demand it, find a local "green" dry cleaner.
6. Work From Home
Instant messaging, video conferencing, and other innovative workflow tools make effective
telecommuting a reality. If you can telecommute, hold phone conferences, take online classes,
or otherwise work from home, give it a try. It'll save you the time you would have spent on the trip
as well as sparing the air. As a bonus, you get to work in your pyjamas!
7. Use Green Materials
Some paper use can't be avoided, so use recycled paper and envelopes that have been
processed and coloured using eco-friendly methods. Pens and pencils can also be made of
recycled materials, and refillable pens and markers are preferable to disposable ones. Use
biodegradable soaps and recycled paper or cloth towels in the bathroom and kitchen, and provide
biodegradable cleaners for the custodial staff. Buy in bulk so that shipping and packaging waste
are reduced, and reuse the shipping boxes. Recycle all your old print cartridges.
8. Redesign the Workspace
Greening the space in which you work has almost limitless possibilities. Start with good furniture,
good lighting, and good air. Incandescent bulbs can be replaced with compact fluorescents and
there is an ever-growing selection of high-end LED desk lamps that use miniscule amounts of
energy, Not only is natural daylight a free source of lighting for the office, it has been proven to
improve worker productivity and satisfaction. Workspace air quality is also crucial. Good
ventilation is crucial.
9. Lunch Time
Bringing lunch to work in reusable containers is likely the greenest (and healthiest) way to eat at
work. Getting delivery and takeout almost inevitably ends with a miniature mountain of packaging
waste. But if you do order delivery, join co-workers in placing a large order (more efficient than
many separate ones). Also, bring in a reusable plate, utensils, and napkins. If you do go out for
lunch, try biking or walking instead of driving.
10. Get Others in on the Act
Share these tips with your colleagues. If possible, arrange an office carpool or group bike
commute. Ask the office manager to get fair trade coffee for the break room and make sure
everyone has a small recycling bin so that recycling is just as easy as throwing paper away. Ask
everyone to bring in a mug or glass from home and keep some handy for visitors so that you
reduce or eliminate use of paper cups.
Friday, 11 March
Smart Fish Friday
Plant a Tree
"He who plants a tree, plants a hope." -- Lucy Larcom,
Why plant a tree?

Trees absorb carbon dioxide and turn it into oxygen.

The natural carbon dioxide cycle keeps a balance in the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere. But
our actions and behaviours cause changes which upset this natural balance.

The creation of too many greenhouse gases causes an imbalance with heat being trapped in the
Earth's atmosphere, increasing the overall average temperature resulting in global warming.

We produce excessive amount of carbon dioxide by burning coal and petrol (referred to as 'fossil
fuels' or fossil energy) in our power plants, factories and cars.

The destruction of rainforests and cutting down of other forests also affects the balancing act. By
destroying Earth's natural forestation, we threaten our existence.

Planting trees greens and beautifies the areas in which they are planted.

The impact of planting trees is one of the ways of offsetting our carbon emissions. (However we
do need to do all we can to reduce our footprint on the planet, and offset that which cannot be
reduced by planting trees.)

One statistic said that it takes 16 trees to supply the oxygen for one person's life. But other experts
say there is no way of measuring this exactly as it depends on the type of tree as well as the
lifespan of the tree. Our aim should be to minimise our footprint and plant as many indigenous
trees as possible.

Trees play a vital role in rural and urban populations. They are needed to enrich and anchor soil,
to maximise water supplies, to beautify and humanise townships and urban areas and to provide
shade and shelter. They are also crucial for biodiversity conservation. Products and services from
trees include food, timber, fibre, medicines and energy.

“To make up for the world’s loss of trees in the past decade, we need to plant about 14 billion
trees every year for 10 years in a row.” UNEP. In South Africa, we need to plant trees as we are
part of the global problem. We also need to address disparity – there is a huge divide between
‘leafy’ privileged and ‘barren’ under-privileged areas. Without a culture of planting trees in undergreened areas, environmental and social challenges are exacerbated.

Plant indigenous – find a local nursery that specializes in indigenous plants so that they can give
you sound advice

By the way – a nice indoor plant will also purify your air and bring a calming influence to the room
– just remember to water it!
Saturday, 12 March
Cut down on junk mail\
“Newspapers: dead trees with information smeared on
them.” ~Horizon, "Electronic Frontier
Junk mail is an ongoing problem for mailboxes all over the world. Almost every household receives
unwanted advertisements, magazines, and solicitations that are immediately recycled or thrown out to
avoid clutter. It’s not only a huge personal inconvenience; junk mail also negatively impacts the planet.
Each year, more than 100 million trees are chopped down to make the paper for junk mail But that’s
not all – junk mail is contributing to the destruction of trees around the world, increase greenhouse gas
emissions, wasted water and unwanted landfill.
Where possible, don’t accept junk mail and random pamphlets. Those that do inevitably land up in your
post box – recycle!
Sunday, 13 March
Life giving water
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will
never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will
become in them a spring of water welling up to
eternal life.” - John 4:14
Over 1 billion people lack access to clean, safe affordable drinking water.



By 2025 two-thirds of the world’s population is predicted to lack access to water.
The World Bank has predicted that the wars of tomorrow will be fought over water.
The problem is exacerbated by global warming which is spreading droughts.
As we celebrate the provision of water, we share a reflection from the Ecumenical Water Network of the
WCC, by Rommel Linatoc, executive secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.
In the Philippine context, the mainline Protestant churches, the Roman Catholics, independents,
evangelicals and the Pentecostals were worshiping together during the Week of Prayer for Christian
Unity. In order to contextualize the celebration, the pressing issues of the people were incorporated into
the liturgy. One of the major concerns was “Water and Justice”. In the liturgical service, the water was
symbolized as a source of life and a basic right. It is an essential element for the fullness of life. (John
10:10). In the litany of prayers, the issue of water was depicted in the local and global context. Today,
there are still many countries that are fighting over territories, and the bodies of water are being divided
over and over again. Ironically, in this age of post-colonialism, the call for peace is still an agenda of
many of those countries. The idealism of peace and justice has lost its meaning due to the negative
impact of structural adjustment programmes which are responsible for turning water into a commodity
rather than a basic necessity to survive. Our biblical discourses will not make any sense if we are not
able to discern the relationship of the water issue to other social issues.
In some practical aspects of church celebrations, the faithful communities are content to encapsulate
the concerns of water into the form of a litany of prayers, when it comes to solemnizing a baptism or in
celebrating the holy “blessings of water” during a theophany in some Christian traditions, while the rest
of the liturgy focuses on the romanticized concepts of spirituality. The members of the church are
experiencing this celebration of water in the liturgy in our Sunday services. This is like attending a
worship service for one hour & thirty minutes and forgetting the realities of the world. Meanwhile, the
other 166.5 hours of our lives per week is devoted to being a part of what the highly commoditized and
commercialized world wants.
Being followers of Christ, let us embrace the biblical affirmations and journey with God’s Word and
engage ourselves in the holistic and transformative act. Let us reflect upon ways in which the holistic
approach of understanding the Bible can lead worshippers to discern more deeply the church’s missions
and acts of compassion. Let us explore possibilities of how the liturgical celebrations can be a continuing
pilgrimage in understanding the context of water issues with a just-peace perspective!
Epilogue: Water never stops, and it is always in search of a space to occupy the available spaces or
create new spaces to fill! Likewise, let the water advocates among believers try to combine the biblical
affirmations with our social actions. When we worship God, let us give thanks to God for the abundant
blessings God has given to us in the form of this beautiful creation of nature, particularly water. Let us
bring in the elements of nature like the water in our worship resources to reiterate its spiritual significance
and draw
Monday, 14 March
No Meat Monday
Today is the International Day for Rivers
How hot is hot?
“The one to be cleansed shall then wash his clothes and shave
off all his hair and bathe in water and be clean” Leviticus 14:8
How old is your hot water heater? Insulate your hot water tank, energy efficient tanks should stay at a
temp of 60⁰C
Geyser Blankets
Making use of geyser blankets in your home or office buildings is another great way to use saving energy
techniques! What does a geyser blanket do exactly? Geyser blankets maximise heat retention. You can
actually check how much heat your geyser is losing by simply placing your hand on the geyser. If you
feel your geyser is warm, then you know it needs a geyser blanket because it is losing heat. Always use
an insulation expert to install your geyser blanket. If it is not installed correctly, heat loss may still occur
and it won’t help much with saving energy.
If you turn your geyser temperature down to 60°C instead of leaving it at the standard 70°, you will notice
a massive saving on electricity usage! Geysers use way more energy to maintain 70°C! This way works
best when your geyser has been insulated properly with a geyser blanket and pipe insulation.
Solar Water Heater
Having a solar water heater installed can drastically reduce power consumption at home and save a ton
of electricity! Using a solar water heater can save up to two thirds of the total water heating cost you
build up at home. The energy saving does vary though and if you are looking to achieve the best possible
results, use a geyser timer. If you cannot install a solar water heater then a heat pump is another
alternative to help with power consumption. You will get similar energy savings from a heat pump that
you do from a solar water heater, but heat pumps haven’t been around for very long, so there is still
testing needed to be done on them. They may need more maintenance than your typical solar water
heater.
Without water, we would die. Water is essential for life on earth, not just human life but all life. Water
is needed for drinking, cleaning, washing, and making crops grow. There is no substitute for this
precious resource, and yet we waste it, we pollute it, and we even commodify it! Let's start anew, and
begin by thanking the Lord for the gift of water
Praise to You, my Lord,
Through Sister Water who is so useful,
Humble
Precious
And pure
From The Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis of Assisi
Tuesday, 15 March
Don’t go with the flow!
“I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the
valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched
ground into springs”. Isaiah 41:18
Don’t go with the flow. Do not keep taps running when brushing teeth, washing dishes or cleaning your
car, You can save gallons of water by getting a grip on your taps!
Did you know

A running tap uses a lot more water than you think, it puts 8 litres down the drain every minute it
is on

You might use 20 litres leaving the tap running while washing your teeth

Washing dishes with the tap running can waste 50 litres!

Washing your car with a hose uses up to 300 litres!
What to do? - The Answer is simple

Brushing Teeth: Wet your brush when you brush your teeth and rinse the brush when finished.

Shaving: put the plug in the basin when you shave

Dishes: use the sink … with the plug IN! Better still – use a basin IN the sink and then when you
are finished, throw the used water on your garden. When you are waiting for the water to heat
up in the tap, use that water to fill your kettle rather than letting it run.

Car: use a sponge and bucket

Bathing: take a shower rather than a bath. By using less hot water you save both water and
electricity
And if you are willing to take a bigger step, consider a grey water system, where water from your
showers and washing machine in fed onto the garden.

Wednesday, 16 March
Do some “clean-up”
“Buy, buy, says the sign in the shop window; Why, why, says the
junk in the yard.” - Paul McCartney
Pick up litter along your street, stream or building. Leave your footprints, take other people’s junk away
In nature, life operates in a circular system and waste generated by one organism becomes food for
another. Fallen leaves decay and the nutrients are returned to the earth, where they become food for
the tree again. An exciting challenge facing city communities is to work towards a life without waste,
there the unwanted items of one cycle are essential goods for another.
For every bin that we put out in front our homes, about 70 bins of waste are generated during the
manufacturing and production of the items we use. For example it takes about 75 kg of resources (coal,
oil and water) to produce one cell phone and about 1.5kg of resources to produce a toothbrush.
By buying durable and reusable products rather than disposable or cheap items that break quickly, we
reduce the waste we produce. This is illustrated in the short documentary “Story of Stuff’ which can be
seen at www.storyofstuff.com
Although it is important to pick up litter wherever you see it, it is particularly important to pick it up from
waterways and oceans.
Much of the litter left lying in the streets of inland towns and cities eventually makes its way to the ocean
and we’re treating the oceans like a rubbish bin: around 80 percent of marine litter originates on land,
and most of that is plastic. Plastic that pollutes our oceans and waterways has severe impacts on our
environment and our economy. Seabirds, whales, sea turtles and other marine life are eating marine
plastic pollution and dying from choking, intestinal blockage and starvation. Scientists are investigating
the long-term impacts of toxic pollutants absorbed, transported, and consumed by fish and other marine
life, including the potential effects on human health.
Thursday, 17 March
Check your flush
“You shall have a place outside the camp, and you shall go out
to it. And you shall have a trowel with your tools, and when you
sit down outside, you shall dig a hole with it” - Deut 23:12-14
Check your flush: Fill a two litre bottle with water and put it in your toilet tank, count how many times
your family flushes and figure your savings!

Get a low-flow toilet. Flushing is the biggest water hog in the house. Older, conventional toilets
can use 15-20 litres per flush, but low-flow models use as little as 8 litres. Since the average
person flushes five times a day, the litres can really add up.

If you can’t replace your higher volume toilet, put a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet
tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.

To check for a toilet leak, put dye or food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl
without flushing, there’s a leak that should be repaired.

“If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” The saying may be cliché, but it’s good advice. If you’re grossed out
by the “yellow,” just put the toilet lid down.

Don’t flush things down the toilet to dispose of them. Throw tissues and other bathroom waste
in the rubbish bin, which doesn’t require litres of water.
Friday, 18 March
Smart Fish Friday
Rethink bottled water
“We must buy the water we drink; our wood can be had only at
a price” Lamentations 5:4
Ban bottled water, refill it with tap water, a great choice for the environment, saving money and possibly
keeping you healthy
Over the last ten years we have seen a huge increase in the use of bottled water

Bottled water market tripled over past 10 years

Many people drink only bottled water even though bottled water is thousands of times more
expensive than tap water.

Worldwide the bottled water market was estimated to be more than $100 billion.
We have been sold a lie
“It struck me that all you had to do is take water out of the ground and sell it for more than the price of
wine, or for that matter oil.” Gustave Levin, former Chairman of Perrier
“We sell water…so we need to be clever.” Jeffery Caso, former Vice-President of Nestlé. Advertising
budgets run as high as $150 million Public water supplies deliver clean, safe, drinking water. Studies
have shown that bottled water is no safer than tap water. Bottled water is actually less regulated than
our public tap water. Making the plastic bottles for bottled water for sale in the U.S. required the
equivalent of 17 million barrels of oil last year and generated 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
To visualize the entire energy costs of the lifecycle of bottled water, imagine filling each bottle with a
quarter of oil.



Each year, more than 4 billion pounds of PET plastic bottles end up in landfills or as roadside
litter. Less than 20% of plastic water bottles are recycled.
Up to 40% of bottled water comes from already treated municipal water systems; paid for at
taxpayer expense. Water bottlers then sell this water back to the public at thousands of times
the price, virtually unchanged.
In Tap Water Challenges across the country, people can’t tell a difference
Saturday, 19 March
Love the “Creepies”
“Our insistence that each human being is an image of God
should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its
own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe
speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us.” – Pope
Francis (Laudato Si’)
Although insects are commonly thought of as pests in just about every region of the world, one must
take the time to realise their benefits in our everyday lives. Without insects operating dutifully about their
ecosystems, our world would be a very different place than the one we've come to enjoy. It takes a
"micro-level" vision of their world to truly understand their importance to our own.
Welcome insects and other “creepy-crawlies” in your garden – toss all the pesticides (responsibly!) and
allow nature to do what nature does best.
Sunday, 20 March
Today – buy nothing and spend nothing!
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths
and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” - Matt
6:19
“Today, humanity faces a stark choice: save the planet and ditch capitalism, or save capitalism and ditch
the planet.” – Fawzi Ibrahim
Today – buy nothing and spend nothing! Until we challenge the entrenched values of capitalism – that
the economy must always keep growing, that consumer wants must always be satisfied, that immediate
gratification is imperative – we’re not going able to fix the gigantic psycho-financial-eco crisis of our
times.
That challenge is a deeply personal one: in a world where every inch of the capitalist system is bullying
you into submission, can you resist? When advertisers hound you day and night, can you escape?
We enjoy the awesome beauty of creation, but we also need to recognize our impact on the Earth, see
that it matters, and to act rightly. Whenever we eat, landscapes, plants and animals are affected. When
we drink, we owe a debt to the earth’s great waters. When we put on our clothes, when we clean our
homes, when we fill up our cars – all of these actions have an impact. We can’t live on earth without
having an impact, but we can become responsible Earth stewards and choose the impact we want to
have.
So today, start a lasting lifestyle commitment to consume less, use less of the planet’s resources and
produce less waste.
Monday, 21 March
Actions
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s
mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1
By developing our individual, God-given capacities, an ecological conversion can inspire us to greater
creativity and enthusiasm in resolving the world’s problems and in offering ourselves to God “as a living
sacrifice, holy and acceptable” (Rom 12:1). We do not understand our superiority as a reason for
personal glory or irresponsible dominion, but rather as a different capacity which, in its turn, entails a
serious responsibility stemming from our faith.
Consider seriously what actions you will take to re-connect with God’s Creation and where you can use
your God-given capacities in this pursuit
Tuesday, 22 March
World Water Day
Dependence
“Our dependence on this world is an essential way God teaches
us about his own life” – Pope Francis (Laudato Si’)
Today is World Water Day. You are experiencing an icon of the divine every time you take a drink and
every breath you take offers a theology lesson. Every part of life connects us to a reality outside of
ourselves and offers a reminder of God as Trinity.
Offer a prayer of thanks for these gifts from God.
Wednesday, 23 March
Reflection
For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall
see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even
as I am fully known” - 1 Cor 13:12
Today - reflect on these questions
1. Where am I in the web of relations with God, with neighbours, with Creation?
2. How do I respond or contribute to the call of “healing a broken world”?
3. What values and institutional relations help engage in ecological action and sustainability?
Thursday, 24 March
Reconcile with Creation
“… and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether
things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through
his blood, shed on the cross.” – Col 1:20
We need to realize that a healthy relationship with creation is one dimension of overall personal
conversion, which entails the recognition of our errors, sins, faults and failures, and leads to heartfelt
repentance and desire to change. In order to achieve this conversion to reconciliation with creation, we
must examine our lives and acknowledge the ways in which we have harmed God’s creation through
our actions and our failure to act. We need to experience a conversion, or change of heart
Friday, 25 March
Acknowledge & Pray for our Earth
A prayer for our earth
All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
hat we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.