There's so many ways to take faithful action for God's creation!

Take up a climate commitment for the 40 days of Lent. Make change for yourself, for creation, and raise funds for vulnerable communities on the front lines of climate change impacts. 

When we act for justice, no matter how large or small, we inspire hope and courage in others.

And when we work together we can make lasting change.

Below are some ideas for action. Get creative!

What action are you taking this Lent?

Lent Event is about building a movement of collective change and hope. Share your action ideas to inspire us all! **

** Selected suggestions may be added to the Lent Event website and other Lent Event communication channels.

Faith-based action 

• Study what the Bible says about God’s creation (hint: it was very good) and humanity’s role in caring for it. 
• Pray for people and communities on the frontlines of climate crisis. Learn about what they are facing and what local communities are doing, then support mitigation projects and emergency response. 
• If you choose fasting or another spiritual discipline during Lent, add a practical or political action. There's so much each of us can do to build the world we all want to see. 
• Pray and seek wisdom from God so you can respond to the needs of God’s creation and God’s people worldwide, and inspire others with hope and courage for the future. 
• The Uniting Church statement “Our Vision for a Just Australia” expresses our hopes for Australia to be a nation that is just, compassionate, inclusive and courageous... use this statement to encourage deep thinking and to begin conversations within your community. 
• Pray that the changes you make during Lent to benefit God’s creation will become ongoing habits to make a lasting difference in the world. 

Consumption and waste 

• Practice mindful consumerism: Consider the environmental impact before making purchases. 
• Reduce fast fashion consumption: Choose quality, timeless clothing items and donate or recycle old clothes. 
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Take your own bags to the supermarket and make use of all recycling opportunities.
• Compost organic waste: Reduce landfill waste by composting kitchen scraps and yard waste. Some councils offer rebates on composting equipment.
  
• Limit single-use plastics: Use reusable bags, containers, and water bottles to reduce plastic waste. 
  
• Reduce electronic waste: Recycle old electronics and avoid unnecessary upgrades. 
• Minimize paper usage: Opt for electronic communication and use recycled paper products. 
• Support eco-friendly businesses: Choose products and services from companies with environmentally-friendly practices. 

At home

• Reduce energy consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, put on a jumper instead of a heater. 
• Switch to renewable energy: Consider installing solar panels or supporting renewable energy sources. 
• Conserve water: Fix leaks, install water-saving devices, and practice water-efficient habits. 
• Reduce household chemical use: Choose eco-friendly cleaning products and limit chemical use. 
• Invest in energy-efficient home upgrades: Improve insulation, windows, and lighting. 

What we eat

• Support sustainable agriculture: Choose locally-produced, organic and sustainable food options when you can. 
• Reduce meat consumption: Adopt a plant-based or flexitarian diet or try meat-free days each week to lower your carbon footprint. 
• Support responsible fishing practices: Choose sustainably sourced seafood to protect marine ecosystems. 
• Start a vege garden, even if it’s just a few pots on the verandah: reduce food miles and carbon emissions, eat fresh food, and connect with nature. 

Transport

• Choose sustainable transportation: Use public transport, carpool, bike, or walk to reduce carbon emissions.  
• Limit air travel: Choose alternative transportation methods or offset your carbon emissions. 
• Choose your next vehicle with the planet in mind: consider fuel efficiency, size, fuel type. 

Environment and nature 

• Plant native trees and plants: Support local biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestration. 
• Be water-wise in the garden: Use drought-resistant plants and efficient irrigation methods. 
• Limit lawn pesticide use: Choose natural alternatives to chemical pesticides. 
• Create a wildlife-friendly garden: Provide habitat and food sources for local fauna. 
• Take advantage of local government environmental initiatives: check if your council provides free trees for households and organisations or holds tree-planting days.  
• Contribute to reforestation projects: Support organizations planting trees to combat deforestation. 
• Support wildlife conservation: Contribute to organizations protecting endangered species and habitats. 
• Practice responsible camping: Follow ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and minimize your impact on natural areas. 

Financial support

• Donate through Lent Event
  Your donation will help resource communities working to mitigate climate impacts, build food security, prepare for disasters and inspire faith-filled climate action.
  Perhaps donate from what you save by adopting a climate commitment for Lent?
   

• Set up a your own fundraising page. Tell everyone about your Lenten commitment and ask them to donate and encourage you.  
  You can also donate to your own page - maybe make a small donation every time you make a sustainable choice? 
  
  

• Start or join a group fundraising effort, like a congregation, youth group, craft group or cuppa club. Group sign up is here. 
  

Collective action

• Get involved with (or set up) an environmental group in your church or organisation so you can work together and make a bigger impact.  
• Participate in clean-up events: Join local community efforts to clean up beaches, parks, and natural areas. (Clean up Australia Day is on during Lent!)
• Participate in citizen science projects: Contribute to scientific research on local ecosystems and climate so you know what is going on in your area. Check your local council website. 
• Engage in local environmental initiatives: Attend meetings, join groups, volunteer your time and participate in community projects.  
• Attend rallies or demonstrations like the Student-led Climate Strikes and meet like-minded people

Advocacy and political engagement 

• Join the Safer World for All Campaign, lobbying for increased climate financing in the lead up to the 2025 federal election.
• Vote with the environment in mind: Support political candidates with strong environmental policies.  
• Visit your local member: ask them about their environmental policies, encourage and follow up with them 
• Join a climate activist group: there are faith-based groups such as the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change as well as national and local groups in many areas.  
• Learn about community organising so you can multiply your impact by mobilising others: sign up for the Community Organising stream in NSW/ACT Synod’s Missional Leadership Hub program this year (from anywhere in Australia). 
• Promote environmental education: Ask what your local school has planned to include environmental education in their curriculum. 
• Advocate for clean energy policies: Support and promote policies that encourage renewable energy adoption. 

Learn more 

• Be willing to learn about climate change and its impacts: not just how it affects you, but also impacts on vulnerable countries and communities like our Pacific neighbours. Resources are available from Uniting Church agencies if you would like to start there. 
• Stay informed: Stay updated on environmental issues and climate science. 
• Talk with your friends, family and learn from your children: Be open to hearing where others are coming from in their understanding of climate change and environmental responsibility.
• Follow trusted environmental organisations and voices on social media. 

Speak up 

• Become familiar with your church's environment, sustainability and climate change policies and advocacy, and bring them to your local church leadership for action. For example UCA National Assembly, Uniting Climate Action Network (NSW), Climate justice resources for congregations (Vic/Tas), Environment and sustainability (Qld). 
• Share fact checked information: use your social media, workplace or church to promote bite-sized news and info 
• Start conversations: ask questions of your uber driver, hairdresser or plumber and listen to their views. Share your own if asked.
• Contribute to online forums or write letters to newspapers.