GIVE UP PLASTICS FOR LENT: March 22, 2026

Tips from the EarthSpiritAction Group

No.6

Background:

Tips No.6, 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 has shifted to the plastic industry for profits as more sustainable sources of energy are developed. This has led to increased plastic use in our day-to-day lives which has resulted in the plastic crisis which is affecting us all.

Good News:

With the Federal federal government’s Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), the government has the authority to regulate plastic and to control plastic pollution and use. Our responsibility is to push for these regulation policies.

Actions:

Reducing the use of plastic at St Matthew’s: Share with the St Matthew’s community what your group or committee has done to reduce the use of plastic.

Read Plastic Inc.: The Secret History and Shocking Future of Big Oil’s Biggest Bet by Beth Gardiner, c2026. This book is available at Atlantic News and Bookmark.

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

Sunday, February 15 (Ash Wednesday to Sunday, March 22:

1. Replace plastic with metal or wooden items, recycling the plastic as much as possible and getting away from reusing plastic for health reasons.
2. Having become aware of how much of your clothing contains polyester and acrylic replace them with clothing made from linen, silk, or 100% cotton or wool.
3. Purchase plastic-free and non-toxic dishwasher pods, compostable, non- plastic cling wrap, and food bags.
4. Bring these commitments to your responsibilities at St Matthew’s and reduce your use of plastic, sharing these ideas with other members.
5. Write to your MP or MLA to encourage the Federal and Provincial governments to implement policies that will curb plastic production and pollution.

Tips on Reducing Plastic during Lent:

Monday, March 23: Display examples of plastic items you have stopped using and be amazed at the amount and variety.

Tuesday, March 24: Support Scotian Shores who spoke at last Sunday’s Lunch & Learn by either donating funds or volunteering to help with cleaning up our shorelines.

Wednesday, March 25: Nylon is another synthetic plastic used in clothing as are polyester and acrylic, and all, during washing and wear, shed microfibres causing marine plastic pollution. You are probably now amazed and horrified of how much of your clothing contains these fibres.

Thursday, March 26: Commit to not buying plastic in any form, instead purchasing items made from metal, wood, silk, linen, cotton, or 100% wool..

Friday, March 27: Have a conversation with store managers when you see plastic being sold, encouraging them to seek out better options. Be kind.

Saturday, March 28: Take pictures of the plastic that you are eliminating from your homes and St Matthew’s and send to me for inclusion in the last Plastic Tips at Easter, the end of Lent.

Sunday, March 29: Take pride in what you are accomplishing by giving up plastic during Lent.