GIVE UP PLASTICS FOR LENT: March 29, 2026

Tips from the EarthSpiritAction Group

No.7

Background:

Here are Tips No.7, by The EarthSpiritAction group in support of St Matthew’s motion “to reduce the use of plastic in the activities of the church”.

History:

The solution to the plastic crisis has to be tackled on several fronts: finding viable alternatives; changing policy and regulations to ones that support a healthy planet and that promote a deepened understanding of what is at stake.

Good News:

Japan has developed an ingenious process that recycles 100 tons of plastic per day using a technique that removes contaminants and industrial lines that transform tons of waste into reusable pallets.

Actions:

Reducing the use of plastic at St Matthew’s: With the help of these tips and other ideas, continue to reduce the use of plastic both at St Matthew’s and in your homes. Please send pictures for marg.machum@bellaliant.net for our Easter Tips bulletin.

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

Sunday, February 15 (Ash Wednesday to Sunday, March 29, Palm Sunday)

1. Continue to replace plastic with metal or wooden items, recycling the plastic as much as possible and getting away from reusing plastic for health reasons.
2. With Spring’s arrival, as you continue to put away winter clothing, notice which ones contain plastic and replace them with clothing made from linen, silk, or 100% cotton or wool.
3. Commit to only using plastic-free dishwasher pods, compostable, non-plastic cling wrap and food bags in your home and at St Matthew’s.
4. Continue to write and advocate for the reduction of plastic in our lives with letters to your MP and MLA to encourage the Federal and Provincial governments to implement policies that will curb plastic production and pollution.
5. Support manufacturers who make non-plastic items.

Tips on Reducing Plastic during Lent:

Monday, March 30: Display examples of plastic items you have stopped using. Be amazed at the amount and variety. Take a picture and send to me.

Tuesday, March 31: Nylon is a synthetic plastic used in clothing often labelled as polyamide on clothing labels. It is derived from carbon-based molecules and is thus a petroleum-based material. Its manufacture has a high carbon footprint and, being non-biodegradable, is a long-term landfill burden.

Wednesday, April 01: Don’t be a Fool! Reduce your plastic use!

Thursday, April 02: Many tea bags are manufactured using plastic. One tea bag can release 1 billion tiny plastic particles depending on the bag during the brewing process. Look for tea bags made with gauze only.

Friday, April 03: Share these tips with family and friends as well as store managers and owners to encourage everyone to reduce our dependence on plastic.

Saturday, April 04: Buy organic cotton cloth bags for storing your bread. The bread will keep fresh 3 times longer.

Sunday, April 05: Enjoy Easter Dinner with family and friends using local, organic food.