GIVE UP PLASTICS FOR LENT: March 08, 2026
Tips from the EarthSpiritAction Group
No.4
Background:
Here are Tips No.4 provided byThe EarthSpiritAction group in support of St Matthew’s motion “to reduce the use of plastic in the activities of the church”.
History:
The petroleum industry is primarily responsible for climate change and solely responsible for the plastic crisis caused by microplastics which are pushing the ecosystems we rely on to the brink of collapse.
Good News:
With the Federal Court of Appeal’s ruling in favour of the federal government’s Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), plastic-manufactured items can be listed as ‘toxic’ and the federal government has the authority to regulate, prevent, and control plastic pollution from manufacturing and use to storage, transportation, and sale, allowing the government to implement science-based regulations that protect the oceans, our environment, and our bodies from plastic pollution..
Actions:
Reducing the use of plastic at St Matthew’s: The Coffee Hour Team has reduced the use of plastic in the upstairs kitchen by providing for the dishwasher non-toxic pods that are not wrapped in plastic and using compostable non-plastic cling wrap for the treats while clearing out plastic items from the area.
What is your group or committee doing to reduce plastic use at St Matthew’s?
Reducing the use of plastic in our homes and work spaces:
Sunday, February 15 (Ash Wednesday to Sunday, March 08:
1. Replace plastic cutlery with bamboo or metal cutlery and recycle plastic containers by placing washed items in the blue bag in readiness for recycling day.
2. As you have discovered how many clothing items you have with polyester, decide to no longer purchase clothing containing polyester.
3. Purchase plastic-free and non-toxic dishwasher pods from naturebeegoods.com and compostable, non-plastic cling wrap and food bags from https://refreshpackaging.ca
4. As you carry out St Matthew’s work in your groups and committees, reduce your use of plastic and share these ideas with other members.
Tips on Reducing Plastic during Lent:
Monday, March 09: Further reduce the plastic in your home by changing the recycling motto from ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’, to ‘Reduce, Recycle’.
Tuesday, March 10: Attend the 12 pm Rally Against Cuts at the Legislature on Granville. (Not plastic, but important to support the health and well-being of Nova Scotians.)
Wednesday, March 11: As you begin to replace your winter clothing with spring/summer items, eliminate those containing polyester and replace them with clothing made from linen, silk, or 100% cotton and wool.
Thursday, March 12:. Go to The Healthy Bug Natural Health Shoppe at 120 Susie Lake Crescent to purchase cotton lids for storing food items. While you are there, as they stock some Naturebee items, encourage them to stock Naturebee dishwasher pods. Phone number: (902) 454-2225.
Friday, March 13: Make the decision to no longer purchase items made from plastic.
Saturday, March 14: When grocery shopping, speak to the manager about the use of plastic in the store.
Sunday, March 15: Let me know what you are doing to reduce plastic at St Matthew’s and in your homes.