This week marks the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days of penance and reflection in which many Christians prepare for the coming of Easter. The week typically begins with feasting at Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) parties as people celebrate eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

Ash Wednesday officially begins the season as many faithful receive blessed ashes on their foreheads symbolizing the confession and penitence of the day. The remaining days of Lent are symbolic of the 40 days of temptation that Jesus spent in the wilderness following his baptism.

According to the Journal Gazette/Times Courier “In addition to special worship services, Christians generally observe Lent with acts of introspection, self-examination, and repentance for one’s sins.” Some may fast or give up something (e.g., a food or an activity) during the time of Lent. Others spend the 40 days in prayer, practicing special devotions, or volunteering for various charities. (Technically, the time period between Ash Wednesday and Easter is 46 days, but Sundays don’t count, as each is considered to be a ‘mini-Easter.’)

This year, Reuters reports,  “Church leaders are encouraging people to give up their iPods for Lent, instead of more traditional vices such as chocolate, to help save the planet.”

What a great idea! The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, and the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, are calling it a “technology fast,” and are suggesting that people give up such devices as mobile phones or iPods as a way to cut carbon emissions during Lent.

“Instead of giving up chocolate for Lent, why not fast for justice … to help those suffering from the effects of climate change,” said Jones. “There is no climate justice for the poor. The Carbon Fast helps us change the way we live; the Climate Justice Fund helps the poor adapt to a changing climate.” » Read more

You can matter too!

We found an awesome site the other day that is definitely worth sharing: It’s called Kids vs. Global Warming and the focus is about “Empowering Youth to Cool the Earth.”

The site represents a non-profit organization founded and led by Alec Loorz, who is now 14 years old.  The organization is run by a group of kids whose goal is to educate other kids about the science of global warming and empower them to take action.

Kids vs. Global Warming spreads its message through a variety of projects. By partnering with “Alliance for Climate Education“  Kids vs. Global Warming are able to reach high school students to explain global warming and its effect on our planet, while offering the students solutions to combat it. The ACE program is scientifically based, interactive, and energizing — and is presented to schools at no cost.

Kids vs. Global Warming also works with California Climate Council of Youth to help teach young adults how to use their voices when asked to speak on behalf of their beliefs.

The site’s main message is that today’s kids DO have the power to make change, and as the ones who will be most affected by global warming, the site emphasizes that they need to stand up and lead the movement to stop it.

The site says: “Adults always say things like, ‘It’s great to have kids involved, you guys are the future.’ But we’re more than just ‘the future.’ We’re here now. We are the present, and our voices do make a difference… We need to be involved NOW. We need to educate ourselves on these issues and find out what if is WE are needed to do. And then we need to simply go out and do it.”

We hope you will share this link and this video with the teenagers you know, as a way to empower them about the Earth-friendly changes they can make in their day-to-day lives.

Thanks!!