GIVE UP PLASTICS FOR LENT: March 01, 2026

Tips from the EarthSpiritAction Group

No 3 

Background:

The EarthSpiritAction group is providing tips during Lent on how to give up plastic. This is in support of St Matthew’s motion to reduce the use of plastic in the activities of the church”.

History:

Plastic is everywhere, even finding its way into the remote regions of the planet, travelling on ocean currents and falling to the oceans’ depths. The production of plastic is one of the human activities that are pushing the ecosystems we rely on to the brink of collapse.

Good News:

In February, The Federal Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the federal government’s authority to regulate plastic, keeping intact Canada’s plastic ban. This means that plastic-manufactured items can continue to be listed as ‘toxic’ under schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), giving the federal government the authority to regulate, prevent, and control plastic pollution from manufacturing and use to storage, transportation, and sale.

HalifACT is safe thanks to our actions!

Actions:

Reducing the use of plastic at St Matthew’s: Coffee Hour Team: The dishwasher in the upper kitchen uses non-toxic pods that are not wrapped in plastic. This week, we have compostable non-plastic cling wrap for your treats.

Reducing the use of plastic in our homes and work spaces:

Sunday, February 15 (Ash Wednesday to Sunday, March 01:

1. Where is plastic being used in your home? Replace plastic cutlery with bamboo or metal cutlery.
2. Prepare your plastic for recycling by washing out food residue and place in blue bag.
3. Discover how many of your clothing items contain polyester, a fabric made from oil.
4. Purchase plastic-free and non-toxic dishwasher pods from naturebeegoods.com.
5. Suggest how we can reduce the use of plastic at St Matthew’s.

Tips on Reducing Plastic during Lent:

Monday, March 02: Remove stored plastic containers that were purchased containing food.

Tuesday, March 03: Wash as necessary and place in blue bag for recycling.

Attend Shoulder to Shoulder: We Are All Treaty People Rally in honour of our weekly Land Acknowledgement or plan to attend the March 04 Support our Culture Rally for the Arts, both at the NS Legislature, Granville Street at 12:00 pm and write to your MLA. Template letter is available at www.nsarts.ca. (Not plastic but both important for our health.)

.Wednesday, March 04: Make the decision to no longer buy clothing containing polyester.

Thursday, March 05: Purchase compostable, non-plastic cling wrap and food bags from https://refreshpackaging.ca.

Friday, March 06: Make the decision to no longer purchase food in plastic containers.

Saturday, March 07: When grocery shopping, buy local.

Sunday, March 08: As you go about your activities at St Matthew’s, reduce the use of plastic. Share your ideas with others.