Lent is an opportunity to sacrifice something we have, do, or eat to commemorate the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness. In the weeks leading up to Easter, it gives us the opportunity to reflect on the practice of fasting and commit to giving up something that brings a real benefit to nature and the climate. 

The Arocha resource Go Green (er) for Lent points us to several practical changes you could make that will help the environment. Take time to pray, reflect and consider steps that are new to you – pick one or two to do this Lent and pray for God’s to help you get started and stick with it.

Anne Martin has chosen her top two:

• Switch off from digital. Explore technology-free times or areas of the house, switching to ‘airplane mode’ for the first hour in the morning and the last hour at night, ‘switch off Sundays’, reaching for your Bible over your device(s) and writing a list of outdoor things that you enjoy. 

• Spend more time in nature. With weekly themes, these ‘Get Outside in Lent’ outdoor resources profiled in our Eco Church resources will help you connect with God as Creator and celebrate his creation in different ways over the Lenten period. 

Clive Edgar’s top two are:

• Buy less or second hand. Read here how mum of 2, Nic started with small changes: using Facebook marketplace and ebay more to invest in second hand clothing and toys.

• Move your money. Could you divest from fossil fuels and support a bank which invests in renewables? ‘Good with Money’ recommends some ethical choices here or for pension investments that help achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN in 2015 there’s ‘Make my Money Matter’.