The period leading up to Easter is usually signified by many across the world by giving up something they usually cannot do without with for a forty day period. The most common items surrendered during this time are chocolate and alcohol. However, a group of Lancaster students along with some members of staff have gone a step further by giving up plastic for lent.
It is well documented that plastic takes anything from 400-1000 years to decompose, persists in the food chain and also has an adverse effect of marine life and is therefore is greatly damaging to our environment and these students want to take a step in the eco-friendly direction. Yet despite this plastic is all around us and forms a part of virtually everything thing we see.
The group’s trials and tribulations can be followed at www.notoplastic.org.uk where you can find hints and tips on how to limit the use of plastic within your own lives. They will be also hosting a series of workshops and events, including showing a film ‘Hawaii: Message in the Waves,’ how to make your own cosmetics, yoghurt-making and trips to buy plastic free food. Eleanor Lamb, one of the students attempting this task, said 'I tried this for 3 months in the summer and it was great. It made me think in novel ways about what I was consuming and I got more acquainted with the local shops. I even tried brushing my teeth using ash from the fire.'
Given the presences of plastic in our everyday lives it seems this lent challenge is not one for the faint hearted. If you feel you could manage such a challenge you can sign up on the website.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
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