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You probably have heard of the "ecological footprint" or the "carbon footprint". Did you know there is also a "water footprint"? For example, the average water footprint of a single hamburger is 2400 litres and it takes about 4100 litres of water to produce a simple cotton t-shirt. In everything we consume, water is an essential element.
For many, Lent is traditionally a time to do with less, to give up something. In the light of the ecological crisis, more and more Christians today make a conscious decision to "tread more lightly" on our planet as they choose what to give up during Lent - for example, in not eating meat, in avoiding the purchase of imported and unseasonal food or in resolving not to buy bottled water.
Ideally, Lenten practices transform us in a lasting way. We seek to understand who we are. Why are we doing what we are doing? How do we seek to change so as to shape our relationship with others and with Creation in a way that brings us closer to God?
Giving up something for seven weeks, by itself, doesn't do that. But it does have the potential to help us better understand ourselves, our addictions and temptations, our perceived and actual needs. We understand better what is truly essential to us. In the end, our fast may therefore also help us to tread more lightly on the planet and others, beyond Lent.
