What's Lent Got To Do With It?

Lent? We don't really know much about Lent to be quite honest, other than it has something to do with Jesus, Easter, and giving things up. About six months ago, we had a conversation about our collective future and the potential effect of individual action versus the challenges of an all-out paradigm shift, and, um, Lent.

Jesse: Hey, you know how people are always giving up stuff for Lent?

Aaron: Yeah, kinda...

Jesse: Well, I was thinking we should give something up, too. But instead of focusing on personal deprivation like giving up alcohol or sweets or smoking, we should get creative and think of something we could do for 40 days that can have a bigger impact.

Aaron: Like what?

Jesse: What if we gave up trash. What if we could go 40 days without putting a single thing in a trash can.

Aaron: I'm FOR it! Let's start a blog.


Lent starts on February 6th this year, and ends on March 22nd. It turns out they don't count Sundays in the 40 days, so really, we're talking 6.5 weeks of garbage-free existence. What a great opportunity to really get into the habit of composting and recycling, while also becoming really familiar with what products and practices can be enjoyed trash-free. There will certainly be some deprivation involved (we'll be missing our Clif Bars for sure), but the main idea is to try to develop some really good habits that can last long beyond March 22nd, 2008.

This blog will serve as a journal for us to log the triumphs and tribulations of living trash-free in this trash-laden world. We're anticipating a few awkward situations, some marked frustrations, and of course no shortage of laughs - or at least good stories! We invite you to join us in this effort to reduce our garbage footprints forever!