JAEI ENVIRONMENTAL CORNER
Carbon Fast for Lent
What is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is historically defined as "the total set of greenhouse gas emissions
caused by an individual, event, organisation, product expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent."
The total carbon footprint cannot be calculated because of the large amount of data required
and the fact that carbon dioxide can be produced by natural occurrences. A suggested and
more practicable definition would be:
A measure of the total amount of carbon dioxide (CO 2) and methane (CH4) emissions of
a defined population, system or activity, considering all relevant sources, sinks and
storage within the spatial and temporal boundary of the population, system or activity of
interest. Calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent using the relevant 100-year global
warming potential (GWP100).
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) can be emitted through transport, land clearance, and the
production and consumption of food, fuels, manufactured goods, materials, wood, roads,
buildings, and services. For simplicity of reporting, it is often expressed in terms of the
amount of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent of other GHGs, emitted.
Most of the carbon footprint emissions for the average household comes from "indirect"
sources, i.e. fuel burned to produce goods far away from the final consumer. These are
distinguished from emissions which come from burning fuel directly in one's car or stove,
commonly referred to as "direct" sources of the consumer's carbon footprint.
The concept name of the carbon footprint originates from ecological footprint discussion, which
was happened in the 1990s which estimates the number of "earths" that would theoretically be
required if everyone on the planet consumed resources at the same level as the person
calculating their ecological footprint. Carbon footprint is one of a family of footprint indicators,
which also includes water footprint and land footprint.
What is a Carbon Fast?
For Anglicans, Catholics and many others, Lent is the time when we remember the 40 days
that Jesus spent in the wilderness, facing challenge and temptation. It is a time when we
reflect on God’s purpose for our life. Many Anglicans take this opportunity to fast from coffee,
alcohol or chocolates. But this year our challenge is deeper, to take a carbon fast – to reduce
the actions which damage God’s Creation. To reduce our use of petrol, electricity, plastic,
paper, water and toxins. We will take small steps for a more sustainable world, and by doing
so rediscover a different relationship with God, with Creation and with one another. How do I
take a carbon fast? From Ash Wednesday, 1 March, to Saturday 8th of April is a time of
repentance, reflection and action. Each week has a theme with a prayer and actions for each
day.
JAEI encourages everyone to take part in this Carbon Fast – not only during Lent, but to make
this a part of our life-styles. We also encourage YOU to visit www.greenanglicans.org
regularly during Lent and follow the Blogs for the day/week.
www.jaei.org.za - 17/2
www.jaei.org.za - 17/2